It's strange to say, but I've been planning my future since elementary school (e.g. university, specialization, work, etc.) and I haven't stopped doing it since then. However, I didn't have extensive knowledge of all the other STEM-related jobs available, and I didn't have a backup plan in case I didn't become who I wanted to be or didn't get into my dream university. By being involved in the FIRST program, I have expanded my knowledge about other aspects of STEM and careers associated with it, plus I have figured out what exactly I want to do in the future and a backup plan in case it doesn't work out. Going to places like 3M, Northern Tier Energy, Baxter International, The University of Minnesota (Twin-Cities), etc. I was given the opportunity to talk to employees, interns and students about my future career plans and help solidify them. In the near future, I hope to attend the University of Minnesota (Twin-Cities) and major in Physics and hope to become an astronomer after I graduate, however if that doesn't work out, I hope to be a Physicist or aerospace engineer. Being involved in the FIRST program I now feel more confident and ready for the future ahead