After being uncertain for a long time on which career path I wished to pursue, I have decided that I wish to go into an Astronomy profession after high school. Ever since a very young age, I have been interested in space. All of it piqued my interest, whether it was telescopes that could see faraway galaxies, planets being discovered orbiting stars other than our sun, or the technology needed to get mankind to the moon. I decided that I wanted to contribute to our understanding of the cosmos since I was a child, and that passion has remained with me ever since.

Math, being the laws of the universe, plays a crucial part in understanding the nature of reality. For that reason, I have always taken the most challenging math classes available to me because I know that taking these classes will help me with my future career. Throughout high school, I have taken a double-block of Algebra-2 and Pre-Calculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics, and Geometry,. This year, I am taking AP Statistics along with AP Chemistry. This is my second year in the Engineering program at the Forrest Technology Center and I hope to further enhance the skill of creative thinking and being able to collaborate to solve problems. My passion for Astronomy drives me to challenge myself in these ways, developing skills I will need for my career. 

Along with academics, this is my fourth year being a tuba player for the Leonardtown High School Marching Band. (along with being a section leader for the 2024 season.) Participating in marching band for all these years has taught me how to work together as a team to accomplish a goal. In the setting of marching band, everyone must do their part in order to put on a successful show. The same concept applies to science and engineering, one person cannot do everything. Engineering projects require a team of creative thinkers and people who have the determination to make it happen. Marching band has also taught me the importance of leadership. Effective leadership encourages your coworkers to achieve their goals, which in turns gives them more confidence in whatever you are working on.

Post-graduation, I plan to attend a four year university. Many science-based agencies like NASA require at least a bachelors degree in whatever field you specialize in. As I begin applying to college, I am looking at schools that have good Astronomy programs. Although Engineering is not my planned major, I always have the option to minor in it permitting my schedule allows me to. Universities offer specialized classes that focus heavily on the major you are going for. Also, attending a university is a great way to learn more, something I value greatly. Some universities are even leading some of the ongoing research in star formation and the evolution of galaxies. I wish to participate in one of these research projects once admitted to college.

My goal is to further advance humanity as a species. For hundreds of thousands of years, all we knew was that we lived on a rock floating in space. But now with modern technology, we have been able to greatly expand our understanding of the universe. I firmly believe that we do not have to be confined to a single planet. With the right technology, we can step foot on distant planets in faraway systems and strive towards making the unknown known. I choose to go into Astronomy because the research I do can be used to help push mankind into becoming a spacefaring civilization. All of my life work has been towards achieving that goal and I do not plan on stopping anytime soon.