Wonder by Jordyn

Wonder by Jordyn - August 2025 Scholarship Essay

In the upcoming school year, my primary aspiration is to deepen my academic focus while expanding my experiences through community involvement and introducing myself to research. As an astronomy major with a deep passion for science and art, I hope to explore opportunities where I can combine the two using both creativity and standalone data.

This year, I intend to involve myself more in outreach through astronomy club meetings and seek a graduate mentor who can guide me along the way. My biggest goal in life is to become a well-rounded astronomy researcher who contributes to astronomical discoveries and makes them more accessible to a wide range of audiences, bridging the gap between unknowingness and knowingness. While gaining undergraduate and graduate experiences, I hope to share the insights I gain through space-themed illustrations for children, science fiction graphic novels, and astrophotography. In doing so, I hope not only to inform, but to ignite a sense of wonder–reminding people that science isn’t just something one can study, but something they can feel and connect with on a deeper level.

Allowing myself to interact with other like-minded individuals on and off campus, I am slightly pushing myself through the door towards success. Stepping out of my comfort zone to take on the presented opportunities will be my biggest obstacle yet. This year marks my first significant step toward my vision, and I am eager for the challenge.