From Katya: My Journey To Now
Katya sees herself in her flight suit for the first time!
When Katya Echazarreta breaks Earth’s atmosphere on Blue Origin’s New Shepard, Space for Humanity realizes a major milestone in our history. We realize the dream of our founder, Dylan Taylor, and send our first Citizen Astronaut to space to experience the Overview Effect!
We get to journey with an incredible human being, with a humbling story, and we’re bringing you the whole journey on our social media channels.
Katya’s story is our story. It is the story of everyone who applied to our program and who engages us online. Thank you to each of you, for telling us your story and how you’re impacting your communities in your own unique way. We hope that Katya shows us all that, your dream of space is a real one.
So, what better way to say that then by letting Katya say it to you in an open letter to the S4H community.
“What I want you to know is that you belong here too. You deserve this too. You can make it too. I believe that this new era is about opening new doors and holding them open for those who will come after us. ”
I always knew I’d go to space one day. As a child, it was due to not yet understanding how difficult it actually is and looking at all things as possible. “Well, if I want to, why can’t I?” As I grew up, I decided to do anything I needed to achieve that goal. I became an Engineer, became involved in the space industry, and held on to my vision. I could see myself there. I just needed the opportunity. In fact, I’d even say I’ve been preparing for this opportunity for years. While driving home from work, waiting for an appointment, or on hold on the phone, I’d make up interviews in my mind and practice my answers. What kind of interviews? The kind that would land me a seat headed to space! I’d ponder my reasons for wanting to go, what I’d do afterward, and how I’d make sure I used this experience for good.
When the commercial space industry started to take off, that goal began to look much more possible. I applied to be part of the world’s first sponsored Citizen Astronaut Program through Space for Humanity. When doing so, I had one major reason. When the individual was selected, I wanted to know I gave it my best shot.
The interview process was both fun and extremely nerve-racking. It was so overwhelming to know I was so close and yet so scary to know it could easily go another direction. During these times my family helped me remain calm. My mom said to me, “You will go. If not this time, then eventually, but you will get there.” The confidence she has always had in me is what I try to channel every day.
This still feels like a dream. I still wake up and think, “wow that was such a cool dream” only to remember it’s actually happening! I still find myself checking my email to make sure it’s all real!
What I want you to know is that you belong here too. You deserve this too. You can make it too. I believe that this new era is about opening new doors and holding them open for those who will come after us.
It will be my honor to not only hold that door for you, but help you hold it for those who come after you.
I can’t wait to share my journey with you. Consider this the very beginning!
With Love,
Katya
Continue to follow Katya’s journey on our social media channels.
And register for our Launch Party hosted by Nadine Nicole, "The Expanse", by clicking the button below.