Further, I do it because I’m passionate about it; I do it because the alternative (i.e., not following what you feel is your calling) is unthinkable.

I’m curious to hear from folks that work for NASA that stumbled into it and aren’t space buffs.

I do feel extremely honoured that my hard work in high school, college, graduate school and my postdoctoral jobs have landed me a job at NASA. I feel this everyday as I cycle to work and pass by the NASA sign at Ames.

Why do I do what I do?

Because my job is fun.

Because my job is challenging. Never a dull moment (mostly).

Because I am contributing part to a larger vision that leaves a legacy for all on this planet. I may be a lowly mason stoneworker helping build that cathedral (just an example) over 100s of years that will bring many things
to the community and generations to come. But each stone is uniquely hand-crafted by a master and beautiful in its own right.

Because I am good at solving problems and I never run out of problems to solve in my job.

Because I allow myself to be open to and inspired by those around me working for a common goal — pursuit of knowledge (and in my case, knowledge hand-in-
hand with exploration of outer space).

Because my job is fun.