My name is Tonalli Atototzin. It was my dream to be an SS participant. When I received my acceptance email from SSP, I ran to my parents to cry together. God’s plans are mysteriously beautiful.
The first week at SSP was very challenging for me and reality hit. I feel like it will become harder but I am certain that it is not impossible. It’s one day at a time, getting the best of every second, and persevering.
During our second week on July 4th, my team Right to Ascension found our space potato 2011 UL21! Five year old Tonalli (my age when I immigrated to the United States from Mexico) would have never thought I would be conveying such fool science research that helped me understand our world and things outside of it better.
I have once heard someone say, “there is always something to learn from everybody”. That is very true! I am surrounded by brightly talented students. I have made amazing and wonderful friends that have shared their valuable knowledge with me and life experiences. I enjoyed hiking up to the Tortugas Mountains Observatory on July 2nd as we shared a special moment together. And a Sunday of singing and dancing never goes wrong with my girlies.
I thank our faculty for being patient and supportive towards me. I am certain that this summer will last a lifetime of memories.
An uphill always has a beautiful scenery at the end.
