In first grade, I was so interested in space that I brought one of my own books to school to have the teacher read it to everyone. Today, that same fascination has developed into an undying desire to work at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration on robotic spacecraft. My involvement in robotics in high school, the experience I’ve gained from interning at NASA, and the knowledge I’ve attained at my university make me confident that I will achieve my ultimate career goal.

I helped start the first and only robotics team at my high school; we competed in the FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition). The six weeks that we had to build a robot helped me realize what it meant to be part of a team. I was also given exposure and experience with programming, electronics, and robot design.

However, the best part about being a member of the team was the opportunities it opened up for me. One such opportunity was a chance to be a part of a NASA-sponsored online learning community, with the possibility of being accepted for a summer learning experience at a NASA center. This was my chance, so I immediately applied. I was ecstatic to find out that I would be going to NASA Glenn Research Center the following summer.

During my summer at Glenn, I updated the user interface for a high-tech scientific instrument. The next summer, at Langley Research Center, I wrote code for the Microsoft Kinect, enabling it to interact with a virtual environment called the HIVE. And last summer at Langley, my responsibility was to upgrade the communication capabilities of an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle.

It seems that each experience I have at NASA gets increasingly better. I’ve made so many connections and met some incredible people, all while gaining invaluable experience and growing professionally. My adventures at NASA have convinced me that my original instincts were spot on; that this is where I belong. The realization that my work contributes a small but significant part to science is an awesome feeling. In order to secure my future with the agency, I’m currently making every effort to learn about computers in school.

I am a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. My studies have me deeply focused in coursework, and while I enjoy learning, it’s very hard work. But I know that it’s absolutely worth it in the end. After that, I plan to apply for graduate school and specialize in robotics for my master’s degree. I feel that this will significantly help me improve my chances for my dream job. However, the potentiality of my professional outlook doesn’t stop there. I’m also heavily involved in a robotics team at university. As the lead programmer, I’m really looking forward to seeing our team perform well in the Jerry Sander’s Design Competition later this spring.

It seems impossible that I’ve managed to go from my small town high school straight to the very place that I could only dream of being. Presently, I find myself reaching closer and closer to my goal as I learn more about computers and how they work. For now, I explore the world of technology, but someday, other worlds entirely.