As an adolescent, I dreamt of soaring through the stars, cascading through the cosmos, and ascending among the asteroids just as my idols had done before me. I envisioned myself floating weightlessly in the vast expanse of space, charting new territories, and exploring the unknown. The sheer thought of stepping into the void, contributing to humanity’s understanding of the universe, and being a part of something so grand was exhilarating. Among the names that inspired me, one stood out: Guion Buford. As the first African American astronaut to fly into space, Buford’s legacy illuminated the path for countless others, including myself. He made history not just for the nation, but for the world. His achievements embodied the strength, resilience, and ambition that many of us, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, could look up to. I aspired to be like Buford, to climb the cosmos and follow in the footsteps of those who broke barriers in space exploration. The idea of being one of the few African American astronauts, contributing to humanity’s reach beyond the stars, would have been my ultimate honor. I wanted to be part of that awe-inspiring list of trailblazers—individuals who defied the odds, ventured into uncharted territories, and represented the potential within all of us to achieve greatness, regardless of background or origin. The dream was big, bold, and ambitious, but in my heart, I believed it was achievable. Unfortunately, as time passed, it became clear that space exploration would not be the path for me. The reality of life, with its own set of challenges and constraints, led me down a different road. I may not have had the opportunity to contribute to my country’s space program, but that does not mean my drive to make a difference faded. While I may never soar through the stars, I can still make an impact here on Earth, in a way that is meaningful and tangible. My goal now is to make a positive difference in my community, particularly by helping those who are struggling with affordable housing. I aim to become the best real estate agent I can be, with the hope of eventually owning my own agency. By doing so, I can provide others with the opportunity to own homes that they might not otherwise be able to afford. My journey may not take me to the stars, but I know that by helping people achieve the dream of homeownership, I am building a legacy of my own one grounded in service, community, and opportunity.