Lorenzo Otara Space Cadet to NASA

Lorenzo Akanoa | 17 Years Old | Cook Islands

My names Lorenzo and I am part of the Otara Leadership Squad as well as the A.K.O (Ahi Ka Otara) academy based out of the Otara Youth Hub.

STEM has been an interest of mine since I was young, especially when it comes to the technological side of things as I am somewhat handy when it comes to technology. I actually dropped out of school a year ago to find work to help support my family and have been working for City Construction in Otara.

I am still very much in the stage of my life where I am tasting, trying and exploring options for my future and when this opportunity became available I had to apply as I feel that I just left what interest I had of STEM at the backdoor and went to pursue what was urgent and needed at the time. I know I loved aspects of STEM but actually really struggled with the classroom environment side of learning but have always been hands on practical which is why I wanted to apply to be a 274 space cadet this year.

I'm really thankful to be given this opportunity and do not take it lightly and look forward to learning, exploring and taking in as much as I can alongside all the other awesome cadets selected from Otara.