Incredible Holiday Opportunity!
During the July school holidays, three of our high-achieving students were selected to take part in the JCU Navigate YOU Summit – a unique residential experience designed to give students a real taste of university life.
From hands-on activities to inspiring conversations with professionals and uni students, it was a week they won’t forget!
Hear what Ruby and Mia had to say about the experience:
Mia
“Over the holidays I was accepted to be one of the first students to attend JCU's new program, Navigate YOU. Early in the second week of the school holidays a group of us got picked up from across the tablelands and made our way to the Townsville campus.
At the campus we were provided with 5 meals a day and private accommodation. During the day we were spilt off into groups to complete different hands-on activities at the university. I was a part of the STEM program and got to experience lectures, experiments and work with the professors at the university.
This experience provided me with the knowledge to help me feel more confident about my choices post high-school and make the process appear less intimidating. I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of such a great program."
Ruby:
“During the mid-year school holidays, I was lucky enough to be selected as one of the hundred year ten students from Northern Queensland to attend the James Cook University Navigate YOU Sumit. During the 5 days I attended the Townsville JCU Campus I got to experience life as a first-year university student. I attended a multitude of lectures and interactive lessons about my preferred area of study. I was also able to talk to professionals and current JCU students about their experiences studying and in the work force. For example, I got to speak with a practicing psychologist who explained a lot of what the job would entail and day to day life which you aren't really told anywhere else. I was also lucky enough to speak to a psychology student who transferred to social work, and he was able to give me an insight into why he changed and some challenges I might face if I were to go into that area of study.
Along with all the crazy learning I also had time to hang out with all the amazing people I met. Every evening, we all participated in a group activity, such as a drumming circle, quiz night and watching the State of Origin (go Queensland)! Last but not least, on the last evening we had a completion ceremony where we all wore the gown and graduation hat and received a completion certificate. This was then followed by an incredible dinner and disco to conclude the Navigate YOU Summit!
Whilst this incredible experience has not cemented my future plans, the impressive campus and extensive resources provided by the university has definitely inspired me to attend university."