My time at the MESA retreat was full of inspiration, learning, and most importantly fun. It’s a great activity based program where you can not only explore your own interests, but also find new opportunities within STEM you may not have been aware of previously. During the trip I was able to meet innovators from everywhere in California and have made new friends I can now use as resources when I travel to other cities. The MESA Retreat really emphasized community building and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate.
During my NCAS experience, I felt happy to be a part of a community of community college students around the U.S. who all are in a similar boat. The NCAS staff were welcoming and inspirational, sharing their personal journeys while inspiring and uplifting everyone. In mission 1, I learned about NASA’s mission directorates, and their past, present and future explorations. Mission 2 was a group project where I simulated a mission for Mars' habitat. Additionally, current interns and staff shared their inspiring stories. My NCAS experience was one of my highlights for this semester and I encourage anyone who is interested or curious about NASA to apply! They employ a variety of positions such as computer, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineer jobs to project managers, budget analysts, astronauts, astrophysicists, geologists, biologists, chemists, etc. If any of these careers interest you, I believe it would be a great experience. Mission 3 is planned to take place in the summer of 2024. It will be a 3 week hybrid/onsite capstone project with a NASA field center(one in the U.S.) and I’m currently looking forward to it!
