Joshua Van Den Hoek knows exactly where his future lies and has firm plans on the path he needs to get there.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After the death of his father two years ago, he is determined to become a surgeon but knows it’s a long road before landing his dream job.
Joshua took the first steps toward a career in medicine over the school holidays when he took part in the National Youth Science Forum in Brisbane.
“For 12 days I was presented with many opportunities to further my personal development, knowledge of the STEM field and career pathways,” he said.
“Being part of the medicine interest group, I was presented with opportunities to learn about bioengineering, pathology, physics and medical practising. These all strengthened my love for the STEM field, as well as solidified my career choice.”
Joshua, a year 12 student at Ballarat Christian College, has always been interested in science having grown up with an intense curiosity about the world.
“You look around and wonder how everything is, the natural order of things, and I’m very interested to delve in to that and research it,” he said.
“I feel like being in this world, being privileged and having knowledge, I should be able to help people and the medical field is a good way to help people.”
Reflecting his course goals, Joshua is this year studying English, chemistry, further maths, math methods and a Cert III in Christian Studies, having completed biology and music performance last year. He plans to study a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Doctorate of Medicine, then to go on to finish a Masters in Surgery.
He won his place at the NYSF after applying and going through an interview panel of previous forum participants and Rotarians.
Joshua said one of the highlights was meeting 200 other people with similar interests and motivations, and having an opportunity to study further with similar international youth science forums on offer.
Have you signed up to The Courier's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
