Dampney sisters shoot for the stars

Meagan and Eliza Dampney continue to shoot for the stars in the world of STEM.

Meagan is continuing her studies at UNSW as she starts her honours degree in a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering.

Being an aspirational influencer, Meagan is an advocate in helping Year 12 students direct themselves through post-high school life regarding scholarship and entry applications, university life, and the hard change of moving to the city.

“I found it very daunting to move from such a small town to a huge city like Sydney.

“So, it is my motivation to help those that have the same anxious feeling that I had,” Meagan said.

Meagan also explained that coming from a public school in a rural area, there are many disadvantages that aren’t in your control. But ultimately, these should not stop a student from achieving their dream course or career.

“There’s no reason why students from the public sector can not succeed just as much as students from private sector.

“If someone from a rural area wants to study something or experience a new place, there should be nothing standing in their way.”

For students fresh out of high school and possibly wanting to attend university or dive into their career field via cadetship, apprenticeships or TAFE courses, Meagan has some pieces of advice.

“Don’t be afraid to reach out and talk to people who have completed the course at university or are currently qualified in that career field.

“I would have day trips with qualified engineers around Narrabri and it was great in helping me develop an understanding and if it was the career path for me.”

Eliza, who recently was a keynote speaker and recipient at the Country Education Foundation of the Namoi presentation night, is currently studying a Bachelor of Data Science and Decisions at UNSW and is entering her second year for the three-year course.

Eliza Dampney working on a lab exercise for one of her courses where she is writing code to sort through and filter student data.

Living at Goldstein residential college, Eliza is involving herself in all aspects of university life.

Eliza is continuing her role as junior socials officer for the college, determined to bring in events and organising social soirees.

Eliza also likes playing sport for the college and involving herself in academic programs such as the student staff leadership program.

This program allows university students to help high school students around Australia through their studies as well as thinking about post-school options.

Eliza has recently spent two weeks in Canberra with the student staff leadership program and explained how rewarding it is.

“It’s so important to reassure those students who maybe put too much pressure on themselves to get that perfect ATAR or grade, that there is nothing to worry about,” Eliza said.

“Sometimes you change your mind or decide something isn’t for you.”

Like her sister Meagan, Eliza is a big advocate for students in rural areas to always go for what they want and to not let anything stand in their way.

“Passion can stem from the smallest experience.

“I remember always wanting to help dad out with grain yields and cattle prices.

“It was back in Year 9 or 10 when I found out about data science courses, and I knew that was what I wanted to do. Nothing pushed me away from data science and I’m so grateful for all of the opportunities that have come my way.”

Eliza is planning on continuing to her masters in the future.