My Dream:

My dream is to be an architect and design buildings all around the world.

My Story:

I’ve wanted to go into architecture for as long as I can remember. My ultimate goal is to make an impact designing buildings for cultures unlike my own.

My Inspiration:

I knew I wanted to go into architecture in 8th grade after taking an Intro to Technology course in which we explored engineering and how it relates to architecture. I’ve wanted to live in a Spanish-speaking country since I was a high school freshman. I fell in love with learning other languages like Spanish and the culture of those that speak it.

Challenges I Face:

It’s always difficult to travel the world, primarily because of how expensive it can be to travel to and live in another country. I think lack of money will be the biggest hindrance in being able to live abroad. Additionally, it will be an extra challenge to earn certification to practice architecture in places that have different building standards than those in the U.S.

If I get funded I will:

$1000 would be instrumental in starting my dream of studying and building around the world. There are amazing opportunities in college to study abroad, but it is also another expense to add to the many expenses that go into paying for a college education.

My quote of inspiration for others:

If I could change one thing about the world, it would be for humans to be more understanding and accepting of others’ differences. Everyone is unique in some way and life would be easier for everyone if others’ uniqueness was safe from people’s criticism.

My Story:

I have known for a long time now that I’ve wanted to study the universe and the stars. I’d like to become an astrophysicist or an aerospace engineer. I think space exploration — whether it be looking for life on Europa, investigating the properties of gaseous planets like Saturn or studying the geology of rocks on Mars — is incredibly essential not only for the furthering of our collective knowledge, but also for the fostering of an environment for widespread growth and innovation. I truly believe that what sets us apart as a species — what makes us human — is our innate curiosity for the world around us. I want so much to be a part of the amazing things that are happening in science and engineering today and also to aid in the development of future endeavors.

My Inspiration:

When I was younger, my grandmother from China would come to Kansas to visit our family. At night we would sit in the backyard under the stars, and she would point out different planets and constellations. We’d talk for hours about them, the stories behind them, how they formed. I loved the stars because they kept us together, even when we were apart.

Challenges I Face:

I have been so fortunate to grow up in a place like Kansas City. However, one challenge I face in pursuing my dreams is that there aren’t a lot of opportunities available for students interested in space in this area.

If I get funded I will:

A $1000 scholarship would help me be able to work at NASA as a high schooler from out-of-state. I recently applied for a summer internship at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, and there are housing and travel expenses that the scholarship would really help cover.

My quote of inspiration for others:

If I could change one thing about the world, I would want for there to be universal tolerance among human beings. I truly believe that the first step in accomplishing anything is to respect and accept each other for who we are. In fact, one of the things I love about space exploration is that, while in the past it may have been something that drove people and nations apart, now it is very much an undertaking that brings us together. It really doesn’t matter where you come from or what you believe; science is special in that way — it needs no translation. I think the International Space Station is a wonderful example of the beauty of the international cooperation both necessitated and encouraged by space exploration.

For the full scoop on our #1000Dreams campaign on Indiegogo and to meet all of the deserving young women we are funding, visit – UChic: We’re Fulfilling 1000 Dreams.