Inspiring quotes from REACH alumni students
“I can confidently say that REACH was an opportunity like no other. I was able to do hands on work with data and work alongside other likeminded students.”
“REACH was a defining factor in my decision to pursue physics and astrophysics, and it gave me a head-start in my further research and education experience. Not only did the astronomy research project give me insight into what I am interested in academically, but the experience with learning Python gave me a huge advantage in my further lab work. REACH made my transition to college courses and lab work much smoother.”
“REACH has helped me realized that a career in Planetary Science even exists! Everyone was so supportive in what endeavor you pursued and there’s was a sense of genuine curiosity all around. Learning through the extended research project taught me how to manage my time and got me further involved in exploring computational methods.”
“REACH is the reason I am on the current career path that I am on. I was only considering astronomy as a possible field to pursue before REACH, but after learning about what it’s like to actually do astronomy research and being surrounded by such amazing teachers and peers, that sealed the deal for me and I knew I wanted to be an astronomy major. Both the astronomy departments at Northwestern and at UIUC are full of some of the most hardworking yet friendly people I have ever known in my entire life.”
“It was a great hands-on experience that has definitely encouraged me to continue pursuing physics as a career/college major.”
“I wanted to say how great and important the REACH experience was for me, especially as a foreigner doing scientific research in a different language and with people whose culture is completely different from mine and just getting to know more of the possibilities related to the astronomy side and gaining knowledge on that was essential. It was surely a challenge but I don’t regret it a second and that’s because you allowed me such a position, so thank you for the opportunity and support which I will remember for a long time.”
“Although I am not pursuing astrophysics in my undergrad, I look back all the time and appreciate how well REACH gave me an understanding of what the daily work of an astrophysicist looks like. I am glad I had the opportunity to be in the program!”
“I loved my experience at REACH, it inspired me to go into Physics which I majored in for 2 years, and was a great way to see what being in astrophysics was all about! I learned a lot and had a wonderful time. Although I am no longer majoring in Physics, I still hope to go into planetary science and I don’t think I would be as interested in space as I am now if I hadn’t done REACH.”
“I have a broad interest in science and so far haven’t had much success in narrowing it down. But before REACH I had never considered astrophysics, and I will definitely be doing so now!”
“REACH had something to offer for everyone despite their skill level and is one of the most enriching experiences I have had in my high school career.”
“Thank you so much for this experience, it has been amazing!”