Mann

I’m from New Delhi. I have a very small family; just me and my mum and dad. I came to Boulder two years ago and I’ve now finished my masters in aerospace engineering. I’ve wanted to be an astronaut and work for NASA since I was around eight. And I’ve known about the University of Colorado Boulder since I was a child.

I spent two years preparing my study applications and no one in my family knew exactly what I was doing. Where I come from spending a lot of money to travel abroad and to study is not the done thing. I’m the first family member to travel outside of India and the first to get an education.

It was very hard to help my family understand what I wanted to do. They understood more when I graduated and cried when they watched my commencement ceremony. For them it was like a big dream they’ve only seen in movies. They’re more supportive now though they still don’t fully accept what I’m doing. It’s always been apologise rather than get permission. I apologise and keep going.

I’ve been in many situations where people have doubted me a lot. People around me, and sometimes myself, can’t comprehend the things I’m aiming for. But I’m proving that that’s not who I am and I make things happen. As well as my NASA dream I also want to develop a personal brand.

I’ve just started a life in Denver and I’m really enjoying it. I’ve started my first job as a nuclear engineer. I’ve also got a lovely partner. You could say we’re college sweethearts. She’s from Denver and we met while we were both studying at UC Boulder.

I’ve come a long way in my life and I’ve worked hard to get here. I’m grateful to god. My next big goal is to get my mum and dad here, but that’s difficult with the current political situation.