Benjamin Otara Space Cadet to NASA

Benjamin Godsmark | 15 Years Old | Niuean-Samoan | Green Bay High School

Kia ora, Mālō e lelei, Talofa lava, Taloha ni, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu and warm Aotearoa and Pacific greetings.

My name is Benjamin Godsmark, most commonly known amongst my friends as ‘Benji’. I am 15 years old, of Niuean-Samoan heritage also with Maori whakapapa and I currently attend Green Bay High School. I live 50% of my time in Green Bay with Mum and the other 50% in Otara with Dad.

I was a Year 9 Student Councillor in 2022 and at the end of year prize giving, I was the recipient of two awards for Values Badge and the Service Honour. Being part of my school and home community is important to me.

I have just learnt, that I am one of three Year 10 students selected to participate in an Environmental Science Workshop at the University of Otago in Dunedin, Term 3. It is a study of air pollution. I actively attend the Geek Camp Holiday Programme in Otara where I get the chance to build and learn more about Robotics. This encouraged me to then participate in other STEM programmes available in our Otara community including Brain Play programmes at the OYH where I carried on learning about Robotics and coding which I really enjoy.

I have always been enthusiastic about space and all things Sci-Fi and my dream is to be a pilot, so science and technology are important to me.

Being selected as a Cadet for Space Camp 2023 is a real honour. Going to the NASA Advanced Space Camp is a dream come true.