Over the summer holidays, Year 12 student Jessica Radka attended the Hands On Otago experience which gives Year 12 and 13 students the opportunity to experience a week of Otago University student life.

Jessica shares her experience below.

Hands On Otago 2026 was, without a doubt, one of the most incredible learning experiences of my life. It was a week of high-stakes science, new friendships, and a glimpse into my future.

Against the Odds: Getting There

The journey started long before I stepped onto the Dunedin campus. In July 2025, I applied alongside over 2,000 students from across Aotearoa. I was honored to not only be one of the 401 students selected but to be awarded the Te Ara Hauora scholarship for Māori students in Health Sciences.

The adventure officially kicked off on January 11th with a classic travel twist: our flight from Christchurch was cancelled due to weather! Proving the "Hands On" spirit starts early, we piled into parents' cars and drove south, using the road trip to bond before we even arrived at the brand-new Te Rangihīroa College.

Deep Dive: The First Year Health Sciences Project

While there were projects ranging from Zoology to Dance, I was one of 42 students selected for the First Year Health Sciences group. Our focus? The brain and the bacteria involved in Meningococcal Disease.

Our week was a whirlwind of high-level medical science:

• Case Studies: Diagnosing patients using real-life statistics.

• Neuroscience: Studying the parts of the brain affected by meningitis.

• A Rare Privilege: We were granted permission to learn from a cadaver brain, donated to science—an incredibly moving and educational experience.

• Lab Work: Working with bacteria to formulate antibiotic treatment plans in partnership with the Chemistry department.

• Expert Insight: Meeting meningitis survivors and learning from an Epidemiologist about infectious disease pathways.

Highlight: We even visited the high-tech lab responsible for help developing the COVID-19 vaccine. It's located in a shipping container on the 8th floor of a biochem building!

"Tasters" and Technical Skills

Our afternoons were spent in "taster" sessions, letting us try other disciplines. I explored:

• Chemistry: I successfully synthesized a catalyst using Triphenylphosphine and Cobalt Chloride. I even got to bring home a 33.16g vial of my creation!

• Physiology: We studied the Ulnar Nerve using electrical currents to record muscle spasms and tested reflex speeds using ECG pads and nerve hammers.

• Social Media Marketing: Spending time with the Highlanders marketing team to see the "business" side of sport.

Life at Otago: The "Big Night Out"

It wasn't all lab coats and lectures. We experienced the true Otago lifestyle through trips to UniPol Gym, college tours (St Margaret’s and Aquinas), and the famous Big Night Out.

The highlight was the floor section performances—60 seconds of choreographed chaos—followed by hours of dancing. I formed connections with students from all over New Zealand, including our brother school St. Thomas and Roncalli College.

Final Thoughts

The "Orange Shirts" (professors) and "Red Shirts" (student leaders) were inspirational. They didn't just teach us science; they gave us life advice on how to navigate university and find a balance.

If you are a Year 12 or 13 student who is passionate about learning and wants to find "your people," I cannot recommend Hands On Otago enough. It’s more than a camp; it’s a head start on the rest of your life.

Article added: Thursday 05 February 2026