A slice of university education and lifestyle came to Griffith as part of a travelling roadshow aimed at rural and regional areas.
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Students from both sites of Murrumbidgee Regional High School and Marian Catholic College were shown some of the diverse disciplines they could undertake at university on Thursday as well as learn about different options for higher education as part of Macquarie University's LEAP Roadshow, a travelling program which focuses on rural and regional areas without a strong tertiary education influence.
Professor of cognitive neuroscience at Macquarie University and member of the roadshow Mark Williams said the aim of the roadshow is to show those living in areas without universities the chance to look at different options for their futures.
"You can become whatever you want to become," Professor Williams said.
"I came from a small country town as well and I actually didn't like school at all... [tertiary education] is an option to actually get away and learn something completely new."
During the event, students were able to take part in examining ancient artefacts, dancing activities, balance and strength exercises and neuroimaging and discuss ways to meet the United Nations' sustainability goals and learn about life on campus.
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The roadshow was last in Griffith in 2018, with a new addition this year coming in the form of representatives from TAFE and the Western Riverina Country Education Centre to discuss options for further education outside of university for those wanting to stay in the region.
Professor Williams said getting into university was "not all about the ATAR these days" and institutions were looking more and more at how an individual fits within a certain program.
"There's lots of options to get into university now," Professor Williams said.
"Only 14% of students at Macquarie University last year got in based on their ATAR.
"If you're interested in something like history and you can base it on just your history mark rather than all your other marks so if you bomb out in English but you really want to do history then you can just base it on that... which is a really good option these days."
The roadshow had been travelling throughout the region since Monday, with stops in Ardlethan and Leeton earlier in the week.
