With every rocket launch I watch, every star I look at, and every piece of new research I read, my curiosity for the world around me grows more and more. When I see the discoveries being made, it inspires me to explore the new possibilities that emerge every day. To take these opportunities is to feed curiosity, and to ignite a passion for science. Science is the exploration of the natural world, and I want to take in that knowledge and explore how the world works.
My name is Emma Carr, and I am a freshman at Academy of the Holy Names in Tampa, Florida. I have wanted to be an astronaut since I was little, and that passion for space has grown into one where I now want to know the inner workings of the universe. When I am in college I want to major in astrophysics. To know how the stars work and how singularities are formed, it all interests me. Space has become an integral part of my life, and it is what fuels my drive and motivation in school and outside of school. I have done experiments relating to space in science fairs. I have a multitude of books from everything from string theory to constellations to observational astrophysics.
My first vivid memory of space was a children’s book called Roaring Rockets, and I think that it changed the course of my life. This book, even though it was so simple, sparked my everlasting passion for science. The book eventually rolled into my first family space camp that I went to, and it was an amazing experience where I got to build and code robots. During the time before my first official Space Camps, I explored the Kennedy Space Center, located in Titusville, Florida (coincidentally the same place I had attended my first ever Go For Launch). I have since gone to many Space Camps making my interest evermore prominent. I found every opportunity I could to learn about science or do research, but being so young it was hard and sometimes, original ideas were not winners in elementary school science fairs. I wanted to do more with science and I was at a loss, until my dad told me about Higher Orbits Go For Launch.
Go For Launch (GFL) taught me so much about the space industry, and presented me with the opportunity to design an experiment that could go to the ISS. This was the perfect next step, but it wasn’t just a one time experience. I have gone to GFL three times in total. Every time I have attended GFL, I have learned something new that helps me grow as a scientist and researcher.
As a GFL alumni I was presented with the opportunity to apply to go to AIAA with Higher Orbits. I applied, and soon I’ll be going to AIAA to learn more about aerospace and be on a panel with Higher Orbits, and I am so excited to attend. AIAA will be a new adventure and opportunity and I am so thrilled to be able to take every chance I get to learn something new at this conference.
Written By Stellar Student Emma Carr
