It’s only to infinity and beyond for Ruben Cruickshank
The Hoerskool Linden learner is heading to Nasa in July and he shares on this amazing opportunity.
It will be one small step for South Africa and one giant leap to fulfilling a dream for Hoërskool Linden learner, Ruben Cruickshank when he makes his triumphant arrival to Nasa.
The Grade 11 learner will fly to Nasa’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, on July 12, where he will, among many other aspects, spend two weeks doing team-building activities, and run classes with the other learners to learn elements of space exploration.
Read more: Hoërskool Linden 2023
To be selected, he applied for the United Space School programme through the South African representative, Young Wings projects. “The first selection process was based on my academic performance, specifically in mathematics, applied mathematics and science subjects. I also had to write an essay about my interest in Stem studies (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and why I would be a good candidate for this programme.” Lastly, he had to do an interview with the selectors to which he was selected along with three other South African learners.
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Cruickshank has always been interested in sciences and maths. As young boy he was always fascinated with wanting to figure out how things work and how objects such as aeroplanes and rockets move. “One of my favourite activities in pre-school and primary school was Lego and robotics. I continued my interest in engineering through primary school and fortunately, I have always been good at maths and science subjects.” Following Nasa and SpaceX missions, has also aided to his passion for the field of engineering.
While on his visit he would like to learn more about rocket science and the engineering behind it, and while he already knows a lot about the engineering behind rocket science, he still would like to use this opportunity of going to Nasa to further expand his knowledge. “Gain practical knowledge in the real world of aerospace and engineering and how it is applied to explore space,” he said.
His number one career option is to become an aerospace engineer, followed closely by an aeronautical engineer. “Being an aeronautical or aerospace engineer has always been a dream of mine, and it is something I will enjoy while continuously challenging myself.”
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