My first space conference as a Higher Orbits student left me completely starstruck! ASCEND blew any and all expectations I had when I first signed up — it’s safe to say that I was pleasantly surprised. It was a blast to spend my many technicals and panels with my fellow Higher Orbits Ambassador, Eva Estrada.
The biggest take away from this stellar experience is the amazing connections I made~meeting, listening, and learning from industry professionals to academia about all the incredible innovations, discoveries, and explorations that are driving our future on and off Earth. To be on the forefront of those discussions and presentations, like hearing NASA admin, Jared Isaacman, explore in detail the goals of the Artemis missions to learning about the potential of stem cell research in space, was truly inspiring especially for someone who already has an outstanding interest in microbiology and materials science.
There were many technicals surrounding interesting topics, and the way each speaker was able to tie these nuanced ideas back to the heart of ASCEND and the space industry, truly impressed me. I was able to leave the conference with not just a crazy amount of space trivia stored in the back of my head, but with a new, determined mindset as well. What once seemed “sci-fi” to me, has now opened up a world of potential and possibilities. And for a high schooler, watching these professionals present their research has taught me so much on how to up my public speaking and presentation skills, not to mention learning how to ask the right questions.
Of course, one of the most exciting part was having the honor to speak on behalf of the Higher Orbits panel in The Hub. Being able to reflect on my past experiences with this amazing organization sparked a new sense of appreciation of Higher Orbit’s mission objectives. Despite my fear of public speaking, which I know is hard to believe considering I participated in Go For Launch!, quickly melted away when I started sharing about my experiences so far. Something else I am grateful for Higher Orbits for is the fact that each and every event I attend forces me out of my comfort zone (in a good way of course!) and with each event, I feel my self confidence growing along my passion for space.
One of the amazing things I am truly grateful for is the sound advice and positive energy radiated towards me when I talked to people who often give me great college and career advice. To have a community who uplifts you and help you find direction academically and career-wise from the same people who inspire you, is not just a bonus, but is actually at the heart of what events like this bring people together for. So to all of the industry professionals and academics I’ve met at ASCEND—thank you—thank you for the incredible insights you’ve given me and the watering my seed of aspirations. Special shout out goes to the following for making time for me to pick their brains: Ms. Casey Kelbs, Dr. Tara Ruttley, Ms. Rachel Goromonzi, Mr. Nate Zeien, Ms. Maria Balaguer, Ms. Danielle Rosales (and her Space Tango crew), Ms. Sean Wilson, Mr. Dan Dumbacher, Tim from Mantis Space, the fun crew at Boryung, NullSpace, and my mom’s new favorite astronaut (who can talk about microbiology and skincare in the same breath) Dr. Kate Rubins. These are just some of the MANY incredible humans I crossed orbits with that made my first ASCEND experience truly out-of-this-world fantastic!
Of course, super grateful to Higher Orbits and our SpaceMom for making this the first of many more! If you have the chance to attend a future ASCEND event, be sure to take the opportunity~it can change your life!
Written By Stellar Student Ava Crowder