My career didn't begin with a clear picture of aerospace as a destination; I grew up watching my parents navigate the public sector and the job market. That curiosity to do better led me to Texas A&M University, where I focused on Human Resource Management, Political Science, Government, and leadership. At the time, it wasn't relevant that education would become relevant, but it gave me a foundation in understanding culture, accountability, and structure, elements that are just as critical to human resources and aerospace as any technical discipline.

As my academic experience matured, I really began to see how those principles applied to mission-driven environments, such as Federal Government Human Resource Roles. That ultimately led me to apply for a NASA co-op. Aerospace isn’t only about innovation; it’s about discipline, trust, and operating responsibly in uncertainty. A NASA co-op opportunity became the bridge between theory and reality. That experience reshaped my understanding of the field, and the field was not all about engineers; Human Resources was an option. I then saw firsthand how engineers, operations teams, human factors specialists, and leadership must move in alignment. This collaboration keeps missions safe and viable. The co-op wasn’t just an entry point—it was an education in how progress actually happens: slowly, deliberately, and with shared accountability.

Like many careers inside large agencies, advancement wasn’t immediate or linear. There were stretches where growth felt slower than effort. Organizational shifts and timing mattered just as much as performance. At one point, I thought I had reached my plateau. There was no other option for me to go anywhere, and I would never reach the next steps in my leadership journey. That led to a difficult decision: whether I wanted to step away or take the chance to advance my career. I decided the best course was to step away for a year and get a job outside NASA. This ultimately opened the door for me to return to NASA and continue my journey toward becoming a successful executive. It wasn’t giving up; it was recalibrating to take the year off. I definitely used that time to expand my technical understanding, challenge myself in new ways, and reconnect with my purpose. Stepping back gave him clarity, resilience, and a stronger sense of direction.

When I decided to return, I came back different, more patient, more confident, and better prepared for long-term growth. Career advancement in any environment isn’t about rushing to the next title. It’s about earning trust, building judgment, and showing consistency over time. Progress often happens quietly, through credibility built on trust and through hard work toward your goals. The work that continues to resonate most is the idea of always being able to self-improve and set reachable goals. These are areas where every decision matters and perseverance isn’t optional.

If there’s one lesson he learned, it’s this: don’t give up on your dreams just because the timeline looks different from what you expected. Any kind of job is a marathon, not a sprint. Education lays the foundation; co-ops and internships provide early roles; and resilience keeps you moving forward when momentum slows. Skills may get you noticed, but persistence, integrity, and belief in the mission are what ultimately carry a career forward.