My personal challenges:
All my life, I've faced many challenges. Sometimes I fell and struggled, but many times I got up, and overcame those challenges with words that my father has thought me. "Never give up, and try your best." I guess if it wasn't for that encouragement, I would have never became the top art student in the district, won many awards at art shows, and maybe never even gotten this job at NASA, or even became who I am today. I'm sure that many challenges are yet to come; to what college to transfer, and my future career as a graphic designer... But I'm ready to fight and try my best to over come those challenges.

My career challenges:
When I was 16 years old, I got hired by a Graphic Design company as youngest designer to learn how to combine my artistic skills with computers to create digital arts. In a short period of time, I picked up so many things and great lessons that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

At the age of 17, I got hired as graphic designer at NASA Ames through Space Life sciences/ Outreach to work on Graphic projects. While working on graphic projects at NASA, I learned so much more about space and how space affects humans out in space.

After 6 month off from work due to school, I came back to NASA to join Outreach group to do some things that I missed doing for a while, graphics.

I'm 18 now, but still uncertain about my future and challenges that I may have to face. I'm hoping that God will guide me to the right directions and to work harder to become successful graphic designer.

My career:
Currently, I'm a Chief Graphic Designer for the Space Life Sciences/ Outreach. I work on the graphics, and publications to get people interested and involved in Space Life Sciences, and other issues that NASA supports.

Likes/Dislikes about career:
All I could say is, "I love my job, and love to work with talented people here at Ames." It's challenging some times, but I get excited when projects get done, and knowing that I just did something that influences many people across the country.

Influences:
Both my parents have been very influential all my life. My father was in law enforcement as a police captain for 25 years in Seoul, Korea, and has taught me between right and wrong. My mother was a businesswoman and teacher for 8 years, and has taught me why education is important.

While growing up in a strict Asian family, they have taught me golden rules that I'll live by all my life. Be honest, be devoted, and try your best. I think if it wasn't for my parents' love and care, I would have never become who I am today.

Future goals:
I want to be the most famous graphic designer in the world, and I want to teach others what I've learned. If no one teaches, how would people learn and improve? This is why I want to teach.

My thoughts about space exploration:
Space is huge place, and there are still things we do not know about. I believe that it is our mission to dream, and explore, and answer the unknown that we still face.