During the summer holidays (12-17 January), I had the incredible opportunity to experience ‘uni life’ at the University of Otago.  Hands-On at Otago is a week-long programme in which 400 students who are about to enter Year 12 and Year 13 dive into a research project for the week.  While living in Otago’s newest residential college, Te Rangihīroa, I formed lifelong friendships with students from all over New Zealand while enjoying all the activities.

Out of the 25 different projects offered by Hands-On, I was selected to participate in the Pharmacology and Toxicology project.  Throughout my week in the Pharmacology and Toxicology department, we did a variety of experiments and studies.  This included a ‘drug discovery’ investigating the anti-cancer properties of our New Zealand plants, testing and comparing the toxicity of water collected from different areas, and various tests to discover how caffeine truly affects our bodies.  These experiments were fun and very insightful, and gave me a taste of what working in the research side of medicine looks like.

Along with our main research projects, the week was also filled with exciting activities such as taster programmes, sports games, quiz night, accommodation tours, optional trips to Baldwin Street or laser tag, and the Big Night Out!  This gave the students an opportunity to branch out to meet new friends and get a real feeling of being a ‘dunner’.

My week at Otago, although very short, made my summer the best one yet filled with unforgettable memories.  Hands-On at Otago has taught me a lot both academically and personally, and provided me with experiences that I will never get anywhere else.  If you are passionate about a particular area of study or are just curious about life at Otago University, I encourage you to have a look into this amazing programme.

Jiwon Lee, Year 13