Meet Fathima, science nerd and IYM fanatic!

A dedicated student with a love for all things science, Fathima Zahraa (17), has a tough decision to make. Should she pursue a career in optometry, dentistry or pharmacy?

“It’s a hard decision to make,” the Year 13 Naenae College student says. “And I’m a little undecided.

“I’m leaning towards optometry, but …”

Fathima’s family emigrated to New Zealand from South Africa two-and-a-half years ago. But her interest in the STEMM sector was piqued in primary school.

“I’ve been fascinated by science ever since I can remember. I’m a straightforward person and I love using formulae to problem solve. The STEMM sector just works for me.”

Despite her lifelong science interest, Fathima credits her Level 2 chemistry teacher and Level 3 biology teacher, Miss Devi, for encouraging her into the Innovative Young Minds (IYM) programme.

“She’s the reason I did both the IYM residential course and the online programme. She was very supportive, and I’m pleased she urged me to do it.”

Fathima says the IYM experience was great. The Residential Programme exposed her to people, places and experiences she’s found really valuable and which she wouldn’t have encountered without IYM.

“I made lots of friends, I did amazing activities, and I gained a real sense of direction into what I wanted to do as a career.”

The highlight was being asked to speak publicly at the annual Parliamentary reception that IYM hosts. “That really pushed me, and it gave me confidence that so many people were willing to listen to my story.”

Fathima found the online course to be equally valuable, just in different ways.

“It allowed us to do the work from home, which can be good, and we had more time to hear everyone’s stories, which was uplifting and inspiring.”

Fathima says her two-and-a-half years in New Zealand have had their ups and downs – but, mostly ups. She says adapting to a new culture and a new lifestyle has been a real learning curve, for which she is grateful.

She’s also extremely grateful to her parents, who sacrificed a lot, leaving their home country and family and friends for a better life for their children in New Zealand.

“I have these really wonderful opportunities because of them,” Fathima says. “Thanks, Mum and Dad.”

2026 marks the start of another new chapter for Fathima as she heads to Otago University to study Health Sciences. Maybe she’ll use that study time to make her final career choice. Good luck!