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Meet: Stephanie Wong, Student Ambassador
Never did I expect to be working with a NASA project. As a matter of fact,
just a few years ago, I had absolutely no interest in space exploration.
Something happened, though: One day, I watched the movie Apollo 13. It wasn't
the astronauts onboard the craft that amazed me, but of Mission Control,
especially the scene when they were trying to create the CO2 filter. From
then on, I was searching for anything about space I could get a hand on:
namely, everything on the NASA website. Of course, I always wanted to become
some sort of scientist. Being a small child, I thought about those labs
with all those chemicals that one could mix together and create some sort
of weird substance!
Being a Student Ambassador
Why am I student ambassador? Well, first of all, I was asked to be an
ambassador, but I also wish to increase further interest in the space
program. Often, I have encountered people that have little or no knowledge
of space projects. Indeed, we are not influenced with much of these projects
here, but I would like to see more students being interested in the sciences.
Though I do not see lack of opportunities at my school between genders,
I do wish that more girls would embrace the scientific world. Furthermore,
by being an ambassador, I get to (pending delays) see the shuttle launch
and KSC! What could any other kid interested in space wish for?
Personal Information
I live with my parents in Edmonton, the capital city of the province of
Alberta in Canada. It is also nicknamed the city of Champions (home of
the Edmonton Oilers!) and the Festival City. I am 15 years old and attend
10th grade at Louis St. Laurent Junior/Senior High Catholic School. My
favorite class is Music and my favorite academic subject is Math. I speak
2 languages fluently: English and Chinese, and I am nearly conversational
in French.
I have not done much of special acclaim, except in academics. I have
had an Honours standing throughout junior high and high school. To my
surprise, last year, I was one of the Top 5 Achievers in my grade out
of about 200 students. I am also in grade 10 piano, something that has
taken me lots of time and patience to reach. In band, I play the flute,
but I wish to continue on in different instruments.
Interests
Other than doing homework -- which takes me most of my day -- I have some
other interests. Piano is my main extracurricular activity. I enjoy playing
most works by Chopin and Beethoven. Their music is extremely expressive...my
favorite! Complementing that, I study the music history of composers and
the musical periods that correspond to them. Of course, my other interest
is computers and the Internet; without this, I wouldn't be writing to
you now! More than likely, after school, I will spend an hour or two on
the Internet researching some information, cruising along the science
sites, doing some odd jobs at Quest or creating my webpage. I spend some
of my time watching TV (things like X-Files, Star Trek, ER, Friends, and
hockey). When I'm not busy, I like reading some good mystery-horror books.
On holidays, I have begun the hobby of building paper spacecraft models!
Influences
I can't really say that I have had many influential people in my life.
I feel that I have made many of my choices by myself. However, this year,
I have had the luck of having many good teachers, namely Mrs. Susan Ludwig,
my math teacher who made this tedious course enjoyable; and Mr. Paul Pelchat,
my French teacher who knows the value of learning outside of a textbook
and being encouraging in technology.
Goals
I wish to pursue a career in aerospace engineering and planetary geology.
And of course, it would be a dream to be an astronaut! For the time being,
though, I want to continue doing well in school and perhaps catching that
elusive Highest Academic Average award. In music, I would like to continue
in my piano getting up to the highest level of my ability.
Advice
You must have determination. Of all attributes, I think this is the one
that one must have. Even if you're down or not very sure of yourself,
if you are determined to do your best, you will succeed. This is how I
do things at school. Though I like to leave things until the last minute,
I will not leave homework undone or done badly no matter what. One needs
to strive for the top and higher standards.
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