Why They Love Being a Student

Santos loves being a student because it lets his curiosity come alive! His parents aren’t scientists and didn’t attend college, but they showed him perseverance and determination through their work. Watching his dad build things inspired him to do the same. In school, he learns by building, asking fearless questions, and working with classmates. For Santos, learning isn't about only exploring, but creating, and proving that where you start doesn’t limit what you can build.

Favorite Subject & Why

Seeing a rocket ignite and launch into the sky, Santos asked himself, How? Searching through videos, he found his answer, SCIENCE! How do cars run? Why does sugar dissolve in water? Every discovery filled him with awe. Santos often thinks about the people who first asked fearless questions that uncovered the laws shaping the world today. That's why science is his favorite subject. Through science, he turns questions into ideas, ideas into hands-on building, and building into understanding.

How $20,000 Would Support Their Goals

Representing what's possible and spreading excitement for science in his community is what Santos would do with this award. He would build rockets, design his first RC plane, sharing the experience with family & friends. Santos hopes to attend flight school and be the first in his family’s generation to attend Space Camp to learn from engineers and astronauts. With the discipline he builds through Taekwondo, this support brings him closer to studying aerospace and inspiring future scientists.