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Marissa, Student Intern

photo of marissa In the summer of '98, I had an internship at the Women of NASA Project. This project intrigued me since it reiterated the idea that I can go anywhere and be anyone. In reading biographies on distinguished women, I became motivated to take their advice and apply it to my own life. My job at the Women of NASA Project was to interview well-known women in different fields and then write biographies on them. Not only was it inspiring to be able to talk to women that have excelled in their profession, but it widened my own scope of possible future professions. It was a wonderful experience.

I also coached a swim team and gave private swim lessons during the summer. I find it exhilarating to help children and watch their progress. I also have a love for water. I started competitively swimming when I was six and now have switched from swimming to water polo. My sophomore year of high school, was my first season of playing water polo. After the first game, I knew water polo was a sport I wanted to continue to play. Water polo has become a major part of my life. This summer I went to Junior Nationals in Maryland with the 18 and under Stanford Club team and have gone to Florida for the Junior Olympics. It was a great experience to play against top teams.

As of June 10th, 1999 I completed my high school career. I graduated with an honor cord from the National Honors Society and earned the Heart of Sacred Heart award. Graduating from high school gave me a wonderful sense of completion and a desire to further on my education. Next year I will be attending the University of California at Berkeley, and I anticipate an experience of a lifetime.

During my junior and senior year, I was editor of the yearbook. I enjoy designing pages and holding a leadership role. In the past four years I have also been a member of the National Charity League. I would annually work and give my service to one specific organization.(Habitat for Humanity, Soup Kitchen, Hidden Villa etc.) Through school, I have gone on two different immersion projects, one to Tijuana and the other to Costa Rica. On these trips, with a little extra work, some smiles, and simply chatting with others, we were able to help out the community. I enjoy helping others.

Over the summer my work with NASA was highlighted by being selected to represent other young women as an ambassador to the STS-93 launch at Kennedy Space Center. You can read all about that experience on the Female Frontiers site. I am currently retaining a position on the Young Women of NASA Advisory Council to give insight on my college experiences. I hope it will help other young women as they pursue the college selection and application process and the transition to college.

I have my parents as my greatest supporters, and I have the mental and physical strength that two older brothers have instilled in me. As Reinhold Niebuhr says, "When we have done our best, we should wait the result in peace."

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