Out of This World: Anna’s Story

Anna may be a grounded STEM student, but her biggest aspiration involves launching into the sky. Her goal is to one day visit space, and she’s on her way there by way of studying Astronautical Engineering at the University of Southern California. In addition to science, she has a love of Russian literature, playing the flute, and learning different languages.

College: University of Southern California, studying Astronautical Engineering

• What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM or a trade, and what excites you most about this path?

  I’ve loved space since I was a little girl, and after visiting SpaceX and launching a model rocket I was hooked. l hope one day I can go to space myself!

• How do you see this scholarship helping you achieve your career goals, and what difference do you hope to make in your field?

  It will make it much easier for me to focus on my career in college, such as research, rocket propulsion lab, and internships.

• Who has been your biggest supporter or role model throughout your education?

  My entire family has supported me immensely, especially my mother.

• What are you most excited about as you begin your college or trade school journey?

  Meeting people for various backgrounds and contributing to groundbreaking research in the astronautical industry - that will hopefully one day take us to Mars!

• What’s one fun fact about you that people might not expect from someone pursuing a career in your field?

  I actually love Russian literature, playing flute, and learning different languages. I’m not just a STEM person.

• If you could instantly learn any skill before starting college or trade school, what would it be?

  Public speaking on the spot.

• If you had an entire day to do whatever you wanted—no school or work—how would you spend it?

  Definitely in nature with my friends, I’d love to hike or go to the beach. Especially here in California, the nature is gorgeous.