3…2…1… Hi again! I was asked to write about the Higher Orbits Alumni 10th Anniversary Rendezvous that I attended in Chicago, Illinois. It was one of the most amazing places I’ve ever been to– and that’s saying something, considering I’ve been to multiple countries!
First things first– It’s cold there. Really cold, at least for me. The second I stepped off the plane into sixty degree weather, I immediately shivered even though I was wearing my International Science School hoodie, which, by the way, is one of the best hoodies I own in terms of how thick it is. Pretty soon, I went to the hotel and got a casual dinner where I got to see Michelle again as well as meet some of the alumni. I mostly sat in the corner and ate food, watching everyone chat. I was also excited to see one of my friends from the International Science School, Raz, but his flight got delayed multiple times.
The next day, we went to a gorgeous event building where we were served parfaits ( I hadn’t had one made for me since the International Science School!) and donuts. I got to see Raz again and we chatted for a bit. Michelle welcomed us all and in true Higher Orbits fashion they allowed each of us to stand up and introduce themselves. Through introducing ourselves, I got to learn a little bit about each person – even if a pole blocked me from seeing some of their faces. The next thing we had was an introduction of each astronaut there. I got to meet some amazing astronauts and chat with them. One such astronaut was Astronaut Don Thomas. Don is someone I’ve wanted to meet for a long time after reading about him on the Higher Orbits website! We also had a lecture on space food and got a signed book, which is how I learned shrimp cocktails are a thing that actually exist.
Throughout the whole weekend, we had fun adventures and amazing lectures, as well as some amazing Higher Orbits swag such as shirts, bottles, signed books, and wax figures! Something I learned throughout the weekend was this: If it isn’t a piece of Higher Orbits swag, check back in a little bit. It’ll probably end up somehow being Higher Orbits swag– and great swag, too!
One lecture that stood out to me was “How To Lead To Win” lecture by Mike Manazir. I got excited as I knew him prior, having met him at Hadrian in California before my trip to the International Science School. He spoke about how we as people don’t have to be famous to lead, and how we don’t have to be anyone important to lead either. Some advice he gave us was to not worry where we ended up– merely to go as far as we can.
Another thing I noticed Michelle and Higher Orbits do is pick amazing venues. As some people may know, I adore musical theatre and I make an effort to see any shows I possibly can, especially Broadway-level shows like Chicago. Thanks to Higher Orbits, I was able to see CATS: The Musical in Sydney, Australia! I plan to have my second major be in musical theatre itself, which is why Chicago was one of my dream locations to visit. While we were there, one of my favorite plays was on in the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, but I was unable to see it due to it being an 18+ show. However, I managed to see the musical “Water For Elephants” with Raz during our free time and it was amazing! I’m honestly impressed at the theatre and how they’re able to make a ten-minute intermission fit at least three rows of people all wanting to use the bathroom at the same time. I also loved being able to go see another show with Raz after our first experience with musical theatre together in Australia.
I adore going to Higher Orbits events. While Michelle and Higher Orbits probably don’t realize it, they really did and still make a difference in my life. While I have no particular affinity for aerospace or the space industry as a whole despite living in Florida, I love the types of people that go to Go For Launch! events or to events such as this. Through the weekend, I was able to talk to so many new people as well as reconnect with my old friends, and all of them loved the same thing I did– learning new things. I was able to talk to so many people who had amazing dreams and great expectations for their lives, and I was able to share my goals for schooling and receive advice as well as give advice to others. I even met someone who plans to attend the same university I’m attending next year!
Higher Orbits has a way of making an impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s inspiring people to keep going in their schooling even when it gets hard or even just introducing someone to something they wouldn’t have previously considered otherwise, they truly make a difference everywhere they go. Like everyone else, I’m really grateful for the way I was able to go to this event and meet all these wonderful people, and I hope to attend more events in the years to come.
