The results of the 2025 Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS) Symposium came out today. I placed 4th in my category and received an Honorable Mention. Honestly, I felt a bit let down when I first saw the results, as I was hoping for something more.
But after letting the news sink in, I realized that this experience was about so much more than rankings. I had the chance to present my research, to stand alongside other passionate students, and to share my love for astronomy with people who actually understood and appreciated it. That’s something I’ll never forget.
Science isn’t just about is not about winning every competition—it’s about curiosity, persistence, and the drive to keep asking questions even when the answers don’t come easily. And in that sense, I don’t feel like I lost anything. This Honorable Mention is still a recognition of hard work, and more importantly, a stepping stone toward what’s next. I’m walking away from VJAS motivated and inspired. The journey continues. 🚀✨
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