This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the ASCEND 2025 conference in Las Vegas. It was my first time at this event, and it turned out to be one of the most inspiring experiences I’ve ever had.
One of my biggest highlights was getting to be part of a panel for Higher Orbits on Wednesday, July 23rd. I spoke about my background growing up in rural Kentucky, how I became interested in both space and medicine, and how programs like Higher Orbits Go For Launch! helped me find my place in the world of STEM.
Standing on that stage was a little nerve-wracking at first, but it felt natural once I started sharing my story. I realized that everyone in the room was excited to hear different journeys and perspectives — and I loved being able to show that there’s a spot in the space community for people who want to explore medicine just as much as engineering or piloting.
What stood out to me most was the community. I met so many passionate people — engineers, scientists, students, professionals — all driven by curiosity and a love of exploration. The energy of the event was contagious. Every conversation felt like a chance to learn something new, and I walked away with connections and friendships that I know will last far beyond the conference.
I was especially inspired by the amount of discussion around space medicine and research focused on space medics. Hearing experts talk about the future of astronaut health, long-duration missions, and the medical challenges of spaceflight gave me a clearer vision of what I want to pursue. Seeing how much work is already being done in this field made me feel like my own goals are not only possible but also needed.
ASCEND 2025 reminded me that space is for everyone. Whether your path is engineering, medicine, biology, or something totally different, there’s a role for you in helping humanity explore beyond Earth. This experience only strengthened my passion for pursuing aerospace medicine and gave me the confidence to keep chasing that dream.
Leaving Vegas, I felt more motivated than ever. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have shared my story, learned from others, and been part of such a vibrant event. ASCEND wasn’t just a conference — it was a reminder of why I love STEM and why I want to dedicate my future to combining medicine and space exploration.
Finally, I want to give a special thank you to Higher Orbits for opening the doors that set me on this path and for continuing to inspire students like me to reach for the stars.
Written By Stellar Student Rachel Blevins
