Michelle Zajac
Feb 16, 2024
“I was born and raised in Kenya and originate from a really simple background. I’m one of 9 kids and the 3rd born, implying that I began obligations extremely early since we needed to assist our mom. Practically every 2 to 3 years, she had a child, so you can envision she was an extremely, extremely strong lady and effective, too. When I think of that past, she is the individual, and my dad also, who taught us that we can conquer any barrier. It does not matter what it is.
“I keep in mind going to school without costs, and they would send me home. One time, when I was grumbling about being sent out home since of my absence of school costs, [my mother] might see I was impacted by all this. She informed me, ‘Those kids you see out there that appear like they originate from greater, affluent households concerned this world the exact same method you came. You are no various than them. Do not take a look at the product wealth and believe you are less than them.’
“That’s the background that formed me. It instilled a sense of thinking in yourself. Anybody you see on the streets, their color or background does not matter; all of us enter this world the exact same method. You’re geared up with abilities, so discover your enthusiasm and go all out.
“When I take a look at that background, it’s the one that has actually assisted me come this far.”
— Dr. Charles Gatebe, Chief of Atmospheric Science Branch, NASA’s Ames Research Center
Image Credit: NASA/ Brandon Torres
Job interviewer: NASA/ Tahira Allen
Have a look at a few of our other Faces of NASA.