INSPIRE - A Lifetime Experience

By Nathasha M., Puerto Rico

I still remember the day I learned about NASA INSPIRE. The decision I took that day changed my life. It was a Friday afternoon, I was looking into NASA Opportunities for High School Students and I saw this wonderful program called NASA INSPIRE. I was searching for a challenging experience focused on what I love, STEM. I talked with my parents about it and decided to apply. Now I know that I did not have a clue about what INSPIRE really is. INSPIRE is not only a program; it has been a lifetime experience for me.

I have always liked NASA and I have always been interested in working at NASA, but never as much as I am now. My experience during the Online Learning Community has opened my mind to new perspectives and ideas. I got to meet wonderful students with the same interests I have that now I can say are my friends. I have learned how much opportunities I have with NASA and I have had the chance to work on other NASA Projects and competences with students from the OLC, but one of the things that has encouraged me the most is meeting NASA professionals with wonderful life stories that have really INSPIREd me. I cannot leave the Summer STEM Experience behind. I do not think I will ever be able to forget NASA INSPIRE SSE at Kennedy Space Center. As a ninth grade student I had the pleasure of a VIP tour around the Kennedy Space Center. I am still surprised by the work done there and all the branches of STEM that are essential for NASA to achieve its goal. I did not imagine the laboratories were extremely amazing. There are no words to describe it; you have to see it for yourself. Now I am more capable to deal directly with STEM related problems. I am able to analyze and look for solutions faster. I have really acquired lots of knowledge. I am part of many STEM organizations at school and I have created a big impact on many students in my community thanks to abilities I have developed at INSPIRE.

Before NASA INSPIRE I saw working for NASA as a very far goal, but now I feel that dream closer every day. I do not get tired of inviting my friends to join NASA INSPIRE, so all of you that have the opportunity of being here enjoy it! Through NASA INSPIRE I have been able to motivate other students to get interested in STEM and they plan on applying to the program next year. I am very proud of saying that I am part of the best program I have ever been at: NASA INSPIRE.

I am very grateful of this opportunity. Thanks!