LOCAL high school student Molly Molloy headed off to America this week after being selected as one of two Australia students to take part in the annual education program at the United Space School in Houston, Texas.
The 17-year-old said she’s been fascinated by space ever since she was little.
“Every night my parents and I would look up at the night sky searching for constellations and satellites,” she said.
“I remember looking up and feeling this sense of wonder about what’s out there. The stars, the planets, the unknown.
“It has continued since then. My first scout camp in Broken Hill was space themed which was exciting. Then to hear Trevor Barry’s story and listen to him talk on Australia Day was inspiring.”
Molly said she was speechless when she found out she had been selected to travel to the Space School.
“I felt incredibly proud and grateful,” she said.
“It’s not every day that you get the chance to be a part of something this exciting.”
Meeting others who share her interest in space and learning from experts in the space industry are what she’s most excited for, Molly said.
“Experiencing what it’s like to work on real world challenges in space science and engineering and the idea of working as part of a team to solve problems and simulate missions is something I’m really looking forward to,” she said.
Though she’s still in high school, her plans are to one day become an electrician.
“After I finish school, I hope to become a skilled electrician, gaining as much hands on experience as possible,” she said.
“I enjoy practical jobs and hope to work on a variety of projects, from homes to large industrial sites to renewable energy.”
Before heading off, Molly met with Lodestone Mines director and chief operating officer Robert Williamson, who offered her ongoing mentorship.
“She’s on the same sort of path that I was on when I grew up in Broken Hill,” Mr Williamson said.
“The fact that she’s looking to become an electrical apprentice, which is how I started. So I’ve offered her to reach out for any advice that she needs in the future.”
