I feel a spark of motivation to join NASA after seeing Sally Ride fly. I turned in an application after receiving my PH.D. I eventually received a reply inviting me to spend a week at the Johnson Space Center so I can interview astronauts and see how their jobs work. Unfortunately, I did not get accepted the first time I went, but I was encouraged to update my application and submit another one in a few months, which helped me succeed in getting accepted the second time. I feel excited as I realize this is the start of my journey at NASA.

After a few years of working at NASA, I had just been assigned to my first flight. There is a meeting that I will have to attend 10 days before the flight. One of the commanders comes up to me.

¨What are you most afraid of?” he asks. I hesitated before responding with, ``I'm most afraid of being in a car accident sometime in the next 10 days and not being able to go.”

At the meeting, they explained to the crew members that the flight to space is the STS-56. The purpose of the flight is to perform special experiments and study Earth’s ozone layer. This mission would make me the first Hispanic woman to go to space. I felt eager to go on this mission and for the next 10 days, I felt excitement.

The day has finally arrived. We start putting our gear on and prepare for flight. I felt exhilarated but also nervous at the same time. The commander looked at me before asking,

``Are you ready?” I sighed. ¨As ready as I’ll ever be.”

We took off and I felt a rush of adrenaline. This was it. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for and looking forward to. I have worked so hard to receive the chance to go on my first mission, and I am here. I feel proud of myself as we land. We’ll spend nine days in space to finish this mission. I am exhausted, but thankful for my crewmates and the help I have received from them. The flight back to Earth is peaceful.

Once I arrived back to Earth, I was informed that I received many invitations to different schools with high Hispanic populations. I am realizing that my flight gave people something to talk about. I was presented with the management leadership position at NASA after my flight. This flight has impacted my life because it encourages me to continue as an astronaut and continue making people proud of me.

Many people doubted me because I was a woman working in STEM fields, which was very uncommon. I proved them wrong by soon earning multiple awards, some of which are the most prestigious awards you can receive at NASA. I hope to become an inspiration for women and people of color. I want them to think of me and feel astonished from my accomplishments.