Connor Lemon ’21
In my second year at Pacific, the Powell Scholars program invited Al Bowers, chief scientist at NASA Armstrong, to speak on campus as part of the emerging leaders program. I volunteered to work on the student team responsible for bringing him to campus, and I was rewarded with the opportunity to learn more about Bowers’ work on the PRANDTL-D aircraft and his time at NASA.
When I was applying for internships one year later, my familiarity with niche NASA projects ultimately enabled me to intern at NASA, where I returned to work after graduating from Pacific. At NASA I met numerous veterans who spoke very highly of their time in the U.S. armed forces, and I ultimately decided to join the U.S. Navy as an officer. I feel confident entering into a position of leadership in the Navy because of the skills that I developed throughout my time in the Powell Scholars Program.
The Powell Scholars Program also enabled me to grow as a leader and taught me how to step out of my comfort zone. I never thought that I would get the chance to leave the United States and study abroad, but the additional funds that the Powell Scholarship offers allowed me to explore South Korea in my very first year of college.
