One goal, One dream by Rookie

One goal, One dream by Rookie - August 2016 Scholarship Essay

Being a Native American interested in the field of astronomy is uncommon considering the fact that a very low population of Native American students pursue a secondary-education. I come from the Navajo reservation where poverty, substance abuse, and domestic violence dominate life. Not all worlds and communities are perfect. Where I come from my community doesn’t push students to continue their education beyond high school. I attended and graduated from Shiprock High School, where my interest in Astronomy began. I am the first member of my family to attend college and I want to use that as motivation to go far with my education. My parents always tell me that they never went to college and they went want me to accomplish things that they never did. As a Navajo, we have beliefs that define us individually and culturally. My family incorporates those beliefs in me to be a successful person. They believe in me so much that I wake up every day with motivation and determination to be all that I can. Besides that not only do I want to earn my intended degree, but I want to prove and show that Navajo’s can be successful. Showing that we Navajo’s are important and that I can do it despite challenges, obstacles, and difficulties. With a degree in Astronomy, I want to relate my scientific research with my cultural perspectives about the cosmos. I want to compare the works of my Navajo elders to what I have discovered and see if Native theories are similar to non-native theories. With my work, I want to connect and give back culturally by doing intensive research which I will one day make the understating of the universe easier for my people.
As mentioned earlier my interest in Astronomy began in my high school freshman year. My Physical Science teacher who has helped me achieve more than I am capable of was my instructor in this subject. The way he taught the material was mind-blowing and it immediately fascinated me. The topic is so attractive and appealing that it is the reason for my extreme passion for mathematics and science. The study of stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, black holes, and worm holes were so fascinating that I made up my mind to study astronomical phenomena in the future. As time went on in the class, I was more and more astonished by the various concepts of Astronomy and its mysterious unknowns. Being captivated by this subject made me wonder about the unknowns of space and how I could help with the future discoveries in cosmological science. My teacher changed the idea of science for me, and I constantly thought about the activities that were taking place in space while we are down here on Earth. The study of this subject made me curious about the works of Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein; their theories and discoveries fueled my fascination. It made me want to discover and explore the depths of space and the creation of our universe. My interest in Astronomy has initiated my ambition to become an astrophysicist and work for a top research program.
With Astronomy, I want to influence young scholars to engage in the field of science and increase interest in astronomy for future generations. In addition to this, I want to prove that Native American students are capable of intense studying and taking rigorous academic courses. We have dreams as well and we will do anything to make them come true. This is my dream. My dream of becoming an astrophysicist and studying the fascinations about astronomy and giving back to my community.
More importantly, I want to emphasize the message that we Native Americans have the capabilities and mentality of attending college regardless of stereotypes and negative perspectives. The Navajo youth will develop their dreams, ambitions, and purposes. My ultimate goal will be to guide them and help them in any way that I can to make their dreams come true.