In the astrophysics program, students determine the orbit of a near-Earth asteroid using data they personally collect. To achieve that goal, students learn advanced math, programming, and astrophysics, attending six hours of lectures a day. I personally attended SSP in high school. SSP was my first time experiencing an academically intensive environment; it inspired me to apply to Stanford. Returning to staff the program that shaped my life trajectory was incredibly meaningful. Over the summer, I helped explain difficult astrophysics concepts to the students. I supported their learning, sitting with a student sometimes for an hour to guide them through a tricky physics problem. I counseled students through their first experience in such an academically challenging environment. I lived in the dorms, coordinating social events, encouraging work-life balance, and creating a positive dorm community. I also willingly mentored the students. I told them about my journey through engineering and of the importance of collaborating with others, among many other meaningful conversations over late-night asteroid observation sessions.
