When I was a kid, like 4 or 5, the first thing I knew I wanted to be was a space engineer. I didn't want to be in space, but I wanted to see it up close, and help others get there.
A while ago one of my professors had us watch "Hidden Figures" and for the first time in a while I cried watching everyone cheering, and the USA flag waving, while they watched a man they helped go into space. A few days ago I watched Project Hail Mary in theaters, and nearly sobbed in my seat several times over the most mundane things.
The only reason I can't pursue my dream career is, I am absolutely terrible at math. I hate it with every fiber of my being and it doesn't come naturally to me at all. I do not enjoy doing it even a little bit. But space is 98% math.
I have long since made peace with the fact that I just don't have the skill set to have my dream job, but I still get a little sad when someone asks me what my next step is and I have to say "teacher's assistant" or "concept artist" because that's all I'm good at.
I love space so much.
