Hello from an old member of the forum, new real-life rocket scientist.

[Vallius]

Hi everyone,

I've done research in energy for several years, thinking I'd probably be a petroleum engineer. I've been going to school for Chemical Engineering for a few years now. I've always wanted to be a rocket scientist, but never thought I'd be able to do it. It's a difficult job to get into, especially because the American Government keeps changing its mind about whether we're going to space or not.

But then I found Kerbal. I failed time and time again to get into orbit--but I finally did it. Then I landed on the moon (surprisingly, I succeeded on the first try with Jeb). Something changed in me on that day. I received loads of support from my wife and parents, encouraging me to go for my dream, even if it seemed unlikely.

As I progressed through my Masters degree, I got to be friends with several people in the rocket industry. I had several interviews that fell through at the last second due to changes at the company. But I did not give up. I kept at it, I became determined that I would be a rocket scientist, and pursued that again and again. Like KSP, there is joy in the journey--and I did not let that stop me.

Today, I got an offer from the company building the rocket boosters for the new SLS.

So to make a short story long,

HarvesteR, SQUAD, fellow Kerbalnauts--mark me down as someone who's life was changed for the better by KSP. This game inspired me to keep trying, and now I'm going to be a real-life rocket scientist (well rocket engineer, close enough)!

Edited January 28, 2015 by Vallius

[Vanamonde]

You'll be one of the guys walking around the VAB with a clipboard?

[Catman2021]

That's so awesome!! Congratulations!

[DavidBowman]

Living the dream! There's no feeling like it. This is so inspiring!

[Vallius]

You'll be one of the guys walking around the VAB with a clipboard?

Yeah, pretty much. Let's just hope my real-life designs are more successful than my Kerbal ones.

[Rainbowtrout]

Just remember quicksaves!

[Sampa]

ok, NOW Cryptic...er...Squad (sorry, wrong game) needs to name a Kerbal after you!