Part of the application process to attend the AIAA ASCEND conference with Higher Orbits was a written response, which I typed in a Google Doc- in purple. My signature color, which was the background of my document, was just another example of a new era for me. A version of me that was bold enough to apply to opportunities like this one, and to have a purple background, of course. The same courage that led me to sign up for my first Go For Launch! Event. These acts of “boldness,” big or small, have opened doors for me. The purple document wasn’t just colorful- it was a declaration that I was ready for bigger and bolder things. Attending the AIAA ASCEND Conference in Las Vegas on July 22-24 is the biggest one yet.
At this conference, my fellow Higher Orbits students and I will participate in a panel where we will talk about our experiences and aspirations in STEM, space, aviation, and more. This past year or so, I have been working on a science fair project that dives into the effects of herbicides on microbial health. A project that has gained recognition at the state level, with a first-place ribbon in the Junior division. I am excited to share my journey and can’t wait to hear about my peers. While I am a bit nervous since I am thirteen years old and a first-time attendee, I am sure I will have an amazing time. Especially because my brother Aaron will also be attending, who may occasionally serve as moral support.
Traveling to Las Vegas for a vacation is cool, but traveling to attend a conference you've earned your way to is even better. I was excited to apply and now attend this conference because it proves that space is a diverse community. Just like we all once gazed at the stars at night and wondered what’s out there, we must work together to figure out the next piece of the puzzle. These questions weren’t meant to be answered only by scientists, but with the involvement of various fields. From space economy, policy, safety, governance, and even medicine, ASCEND has a variety of topics to offer. I am eager to dive into space medicine in particular and look forward to talks about space and society. I also want to see where I could fit in this industry and find the sweet spot between space and biology. Furthermore, I am thrilled to gain the priceless knowledge and wisdom of experts and connect with them. This is truly the kind of liquid gold that can only be found at a conference like ASCEND.
Sufficient to say, I am over-the-moon excited to attend this conference. Even more so, I am thrilled to meet my fellow Higher Orbits representatives. This will be a great opportunity to learn about them as well as gain inspiration from their stellar journeys. I look forward to an unforgettable time in Las Vegas with them.
Last, but not least, I want to thank Higher Orbits and their out-of-this-world founder and CEO, Michelle Lucas. Higher Orbits has truly invited me into the world of space with open arms, and I could not be more thankful. Michelle has inspired me to follow her motto of “You don’t get it if you don’t apply!” which I hope inspires you to do the same. Whether it is to do a purple background on your paper or to attend a conference, I invite you to be bold. Overall, I look forward to my time in Las Vegas, and I can’t wait to see what treasures of knowledge I will find.
Written by Stellar Student Eva Estrada
