Hi, my name is Yuki Soda, and I’m a Junior at Midland Legacy High School in Midland, Texas.
“You can’t get it if you don’t apply.”
This phrase has never felt more real to me than it does now. I first heard it from Michelle Lucas at Higher Orbits’ Go For Launch! program, and it stuck with me. Now, because I took that advice to heart, I have been selected to attend the prestigious Professor Harry Messel International Science School (ISS) in Australia this summer!
Back in eighth grade, my science teacher introduced me to Higher Orbits, mentioning it as an opportunity to explore space and science with friends during our school’s one-week intersession break. I didn’t know much about the program at the time, but I decided to give it a shot.
From the moment I joined Go For Launch!, I was immersed in a world of collaboration and problem-solving. I worked alongside teammates to design a space experiment, learning firsthand how astronauts and engineers tackle real-world challenges. During my first Go For Launch! event, my group won the tower-building challenge using dried pasta and tape. The tower collapsed a few times, but each failed attempt taught us valuable lessons that ultimately helped us build a winning structure.
When I applied for ISS, I never imagined I would actually get in. My friend Brianna, who had gone to the ISS back in 2023, had told me so much about her experience and all the different types of lectures that she was able to take part in and listen to and learn from. I was watching the Facebook live announcement when I heard my name—and I had to rewind and watch it multiple times to believe it! It felt surreal. Out of so many incredible applicants, I had been chosen.
The ISS experience is going to be life-changing in so many ways. I can’t wait to dive deeper into a variety of scientific disciplines and learn from some of the brightest minds in the field. The opportunity to listen to some of the world’s best scientists about their research really excites me. Being surrounded by like-minded students who share my enthusiasm for discovery will be an incredible experience.
Another aspect I’m looking forward to is exploring Australia. This will be my first time traveling there, and I’m eager to experience the culture and see iconic sites like the Sydney Opera House. Meeting students from different countries is also something I’m really looking forward to.
This opportunity is a dream come true, and I’m beyond grateful to Higher Orbits for opening this door for me, now I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait for this adventure to begin.
Written by Stellar Student: Yuki Soda
