I plan to be an astronaut

By Ezekiel Newby/Young Scholar

When I grow up, I want to be an astronaut because I love the mystery and magic of space and how much we don’t know about it.

Specifically, I want to be the first human on Mars, and the following is how I will accomplish my goal.

First, I plan to attend Purdue University, which is where most astronauts go, for my master’s degree in a required STEM field, either engineering or biological science.

Next, after turning 27 and meeting the age requirement, I can apply for candidacy, which starts the process of becoming one of the less than 1 percent selected.

Finally, I will start my two years of basic astronaut skills at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, which includes tasks like learning Russian, I.S.S. systems and spacewalk training, T-38 aircraft flying lessons, and other related technology training.

By then, enough advances in technology should be made so I can go to Mars and beyond.