It was 14th April 2023, 5 A.M. when a low chant woke me from my sleep. This wake-up call was unlike the usual ones I was used to—it carried a devotional vibe that seemed to fill not only my home but also my heart. I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement, knowing that I was about to embark on a long journey with my team.
On the way to Vijayawada airport, I received countless phone calls from family members wishing me and my team good luck. Everyone was proud that a 17-year-old girl from their family was going to NASA—a moment of immense joy and pride for all.
I was deeply touched by the love and concern showered on me, especially since this was my first time traveling abroad without my parents or relatives. They were anxious, but their love strengthened my spirit to face this new chapter of independence.
At New Delhi Airport, all my nervous thoughts faded the moment I met my team and mentors. Their warmth made me feel like I had found a new family for this journey. The trust our parents had placed in our mentors gave me a sense of comfort, and our interactions at the airport filled me with confidence.
We boarded the plane to Chicago at 2 A.M. IST. During the 15-hour flight, time flew as we shared stories, laughed heartily, and watched movies. Before we knew it, we had arrived in Chicago.
When the announcement came—“Dear passengers and cabin crew, please take your seats for landing”—our eyes sparkled with anticipation. Soon, we were stepping out of O’Hare International Airport, greeted by the city’s famous chilly breeze. Chicago’s jaw-dropping architecture, vibrant music, and delicious food immediately fascinated me. The Mahapatra family’s warm welcome eased our travel fatigue and gave us a taste of home away from home.
Our first visit was to Yellow Box, where a LEGO robotics competition was underway. Our team even got the opportunity to give a short talk there. With such an exciting start, I knew the two weeks ahead would be filled with surprises and unforgettable experiences.
The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago left me awestruck. From standing before a 40-foot tornado to running in a human-sized hamster wheel, every moment was thrilling. The lively downtown, Lake Michigan’s views, Willis Tower’s skyline, and the city’s food made me fall in love with Chi-Town.
One of the highlights was meeting the Lindblom Eagles at Lindblom Academy of Math & Science. Their hard work was evident in the robots they showcased. We also got to visit their manufacturing lab. Another unforgettable moment was at TEDx Naperville, hosted at Nokia’s Schacht Auditorium. Each of us gave a short 2–3 minute talk about our rover-making journey, and to our delight, we received a standing ovation. That moment of recognition filled us with pride and joy.
The Odia community in Chicago welcomed us with incredible warmth. From delicious homemade dinners to their simple and down-to-earth hospitality, they made our stay memorable.
From Chicago, we flew to Huntsville, Alabama—the home of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. A Telugu family, Mr. Karunakar and his wife, welcomed us kindly. But soon, we were faced with shocking news: our rover had been delayed in transit. For hours, uncertainty loomed, but our mentor, Anil Sir, reassured us. He showed us how challenges must be faced with calm and persistence—a life lesson in itself.
Finally, by what felt like a miracle, our rover arrived just in time. Although it was damaged in transit, NASA scientists helped us repair it. Watching them work alongside us was inspiring.
On competition day, our riders, Akankshya and Om, set off on the course. Despite a topple mid-race, they completed the excursion in 9 minutes. The sense of triumph was indescribable. Later, to our surprise, our team won the Social Media Award. Holding the Indian flag high on stage was a proud, unforgettable moment.
The days in Huntsville were an emotional rollercoaster, but also full of growth. Later, in Washington D.C., we visited the Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the White House. Exploring the rich history and culture of the U.S. was an eye-opener. The Odia community there hosted us warmly, and we even gave a presentation of our journey.
Back in India, our success was celebrated widely. From felicitation ceremonies by APNRTS to coverage in newspapers and schools, it felt like our hard work had truly paid off.
The NASA HERC journey gave me more than just technical knowledge. It taught me teamwork, resilience, independence, and the joy of learning together. Meeting extraordinary people—from my peers to mentors and scientists—was a blessing.
When I look back, every moment of this trip feels engraved in my memory forever. It was the culmination of months of dedication and practice. Above all, it was a dream come true—an unforgettable experience that shaped me both as a learner and as a person.
About the Author: Sai Akshara Vemuri
Akshara, a 12th-grade student from Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, has a wide range of interests, from reading books to listening to music. She is a three-time World Record holder for reciting the highest number of decimal places of the square root of 2 in the shortest time, an achievement that earned her recognition from the Vice President of India. Alongside her academic accomplishments, Akshara is a national-level archer. Demonstrating her leadership skills, she founded various initiatives, including “The Astro Club,” and serves as President of the Rotary Interact Club. Recently, she developed an app for the Andhra Pradesh Red Cross to help address urgent blood supply needs. Akshara is now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech in the U.S., continuing her journey of innovation and excellence.
