Rachel Cheung

Women of STEM Scholarship Winner

Award Date:

August 27th, 2024

STEM Interests

Currently studying a Bachelor of Applied Data Analytics and Bachelor of International Relations

A Bit About Me

There were a lot of struggles along the way, lows and even lowers, but thanks to the people around me, I have managed to make it thus far. Shout out to all my supportive teachers who supported me in my studies and facilitated my interest in problem-solving and mathematics, friends and family who have been there for me since day one, and everyone whose expectations pushed me forward. While the uphill battle is over, I still have a long way to go. I want to reach heights that I dared not dream of as a child.

Questions and Answers

Tell us about someone who inspires you and why

How did you become interested in STEM?

What are you most looking forward to about studying STEM at university?

How will the Women of STEM Scholarship assist you?

There are countless mentor figures in my life who have inspired me, and I am equal parts grateful for all of them. For me, the greatest one of all is definitely my father. I was quite a handful growing up, and it is only now that I realise how much he has sacrificed and put into raising me almost single-handedly. In retrospect, the foundations of who I am today and who I will be tomorrow is entirely thanks to him. He is the epitome of the sort of outstanding adult I would like to become – learned, tenacious, and imperturbable.

I started off casually enjoying IT class in elementary school. Then, following my consumption of media, casual enjoyment snowballed into an interest in graphics and technology overall. Unfortunately, study opportunities were limited before I returned to Australia for senior high; it was only then that this interest of mine could develop into a proper passion. Afterwards, I tried out a variety of electives and attended two Big Day In events, and finally found that data analytics seems to be the best fit for my current interests.

I look forward most to challenging myself with different approaches to problem solving and learning all about the technical things, as well as the sociology associated with data analytics. There is also an eager anticipation for collaboration with peers that I am not necessarily familiar with; people skills are just as important as the subject matter. I am equal parts excited and nervous to step out of my comfort zone to make the most of university.

As I am moving interstate to study in Canberra, the Scholarship will firstly help relieve financial burden and enable me to spend time where it matters. Secondly, and perhaps the most important of all, however, are the countless opportunities offered by the ACS Foundation. The Scholarship opens doors to industry and beyond, allowing me to start exploring future options while I study.

What job do you hope to pursue after graduating from university?

My original intention is to eventually end up in AI, but recently I have started to consider careers in cybersecurity and statistical analysis as well. As of now, I am leaning towards working in the public sector. Since there are still a few years to go, I think I will take my time exploring all my options and make a decision further down the line.