Feasting on the Future — My Experience at UQ FEAST

Over the holidays, Caylee and Clare had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 FEAST (Future Experiences in Agriculture, Science and Technology) program at the University of Queensland at the Gatton campus. We weren’t entirely sure what we were walking into, but by the end, we left feeling inspired, motivated, and more certain about our future paths in science.

As part of the Green Group, we dove into some seriously cool hands-on activities. We explored animal anatomy in a guided dissection, practiced clinical skills, ran health checks on horses, and got a taste of what it’s like to work in plant research and biosecurity. Every activity was an opportunity to connect theory to real-life science — and it made everything click in a way that textbooks just can’t.

What stood out the most to me was how many different directions science can take you. I always thought I had to choose one specific path, but at FEAST, I saw how broad and exciting the options really are — from veterinary science to food security, and even global sustainability. The guest speakers and UQ mentors were genuinely passionate, and it was contagious. They helped me picture myself not just studying science, but living it.

Of course, it wasn’t all microscopes and stethoscopes — our mystery social night turned out to be bush dancing! It was chaotic, hilarious, and the perfect way to unwind and connect with new friends.

FEAST gave me clarity, confidence, and a whole new outlook on what I can do. I walked away not just dreaming about the future — but actually planning it.

Clare Hills

Year 12