When we found out we were accepted into the BT young scientist and technology exhibition, we were ecstatic! Our project is centralized around how throughout the Covid 19 pandemic our spending habits changed with a shift to a cashless society and online shopping along with the analyses of shopping based anxiety levels and the prevalence of self justification(retail therapy), addiction and boredom. We started working harder than ever on our report book, display, and PowerPoint slides on the weeks leading up to the event. It was great to engage with our school communities through group discussions around the reasons why they answered our survey the way they did. When the day finally arrived to go to the RDS we were so excited. We set up our display and it looked great. On the first day there was a buzz around the RDS among every student participating as we went to the opening ceremony; we saw performances from Sello and the super hero scientist along with a very motivational speech given by President Michael D Higgins. We had a busy few days whether it be the judging's or talking to the public who seemed to be very interested in our project as they realised, they relate to our results. All of it was such a great and educational experience. We met TDs including John Lahart and Francis Noel Duffy where we discussed the importance of consumer awareness and the spending habits of our younger generation. We were interviewed by Q102 and got our pictures taken for the southside people and the Irish times on set up day. We even made the news! We made so many new friends and it was such a fun environment to be in. We were so happy to see students from our year come to see us and the compliments and support we got showered with was immense. We were lucky enough to meet the Tánaiste Michael Martin when he came to talk to us about our project. He outlined how important projects like ours were and what laws he wanted to bring in around our results to better our economy for the future economy. He loved our display and he even held our DIY Covid mascot Colin made from shopping bags. Overall, we had an amazing experience that we were so lucky to be able to take part in such a brilliant event. It is certainly an experience we will never forget. All thanks to TCS for giving us the facilities, support and overall pride. Without our school we would have never got this opportunity and we are so grateful. Thank you especially to Ms O Gorman as she put not only her time but her whole heart into our project.
“I recommend taking part in the BT young scientist competition to everyone. It is unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life and is making me consider a career in stem.” - Ashlee Keogh
“My BT young scientist journey is one Il never forget. I hope to continue our project on this year. I learned so many skills from the BT young scientist not only hard work but also confidence. I hope other students will enter the competition next year as it is truly a one of a kind event”-Aimee Keogh
-Ashlee and Aimee Keogh Transition Year 2023