In the late 2000s, while studying physics, I learned about a bizarre experiment at the bottom of the world. It felt as though it had been designed just for me: physics, astronomy, Antarctica. Hearing about IceCube motivated me to keep going, through graduate school and a master’s degree in astrophysics.
So I’ll ask you: What are you learning about right now? Who is a mentor in your life? Who will sit down with you over a cup of tea or cocoa and talk about strange, wonderful ideas that make your brain ache? What project will you one day lead that inspires others to follow their passions?
From where I stand today, the path feels logical—but it didn’t always. You never really know which choices will shape your future, or which teacher, class, or museum visit will plant a seed. And that’s okay. Keep following the things that spark your curiosity. Don’t give up. You don’t have to come to the South Pole like I did. Maybe you’ll go to the Moon, or the depths of the ocean, or build a life in the busiest city in the world, surrounded by brilliant researchers.
As for what’s next for me — there’s a saying that you shouldn’t make big decisions while you’re in Antarctica, so I’ll wait until I’m off the ice. That said, I do have plans to work in the Arctic in May. Time to see some polar bears…from a safe distance. Whatever comes next, I know I’ll look back on this moment with deep pride and joy. It’s been an extraordinary team to work with. One of our drill leaders said, “No one could have gotten the drill to work but this team.” We achieved something remarkable together in the harshest environment on Earth.
