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I am often asked what made me able to accomplish the things I have at my age. My answer is simple. I was willing to try.

I’m a regular teenager. I wouldn’t consider myself gifted, special, or anything else. I’m just someone who thinks “I can.” Sometimes that is all it takes.

I have done lectures and workshops for young people all over the country and the greatest ideas I’ve heard have come from other youth. Sometimes those great ideas never take flight because the kids who came up with them are looking at all the reasons they can’t make it happen instead of all the reasons they can! Thinking that you “can” will soon turn into believing that you “can.”

And once you believe it – it will begin to happen for you. There are emotional, physical and financial resources available for kids who want to do something great for their communities. Volunteers and mentors are out there who share your dream and are willing to step up and help. They are just looking for someone with a vision.

I know as kids we say “when I grow up I want to be…” I’m here to say, START NOW! You don’t have to wait until you grow up to make a difference in this world. And isn’t that what we all want to do? Make the world a better place? I believe with all my heart that we design our own futures.

We have the power to make things happen for ourselves. Some worry that someone won’t “let” them do what they want to do. Do your research, show people why you can. You don’t need permission from anyone but yourself to step up and make a difference. If you believe in yourself, and your abilities, others will too. Your passion and belief in yourself will bring the resources and support you need to make it happen.

I’m not saying that there won’t be a few roadblocks. One of mine included a rare and aggressive bone tumor! But drawing from the lessons I had learned starting a non-profit as a pre-teen, I found the strength to realize that even that setback was temporary. It was vital to me to get back to my projects as soon as possible because it helped me see myself as whole again, even if it was from a wheelchair at first. Now I’m back on my feet, walking without assistance.

We all have heard the old saying “keep your eye on the prize.” That works for me. I know what the end result is that I want, and I believe it can happen. That has brought me results every time.

Don’t wait to be asked. Be the person who ACTS. You know you have it in you. As I said before, all it takes to make a difference in your community, your country and your world is to be the person who is willing to try. After that, everything else falls into place.

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Becca Robison, 17, is a sophomore at Weber State University majoring in Electrical Engineering and Physics. Part of their unique Early College program, she will receive her Associates degree when she graduates high school. She plans to transfer to a science and engineering school after graduation. Particularly interested in astronomy, she was surprised to find that many girls still consider aerospace a “boys job.”

This motivated her to create AstroTots, a free science camp for girls ages 4 – 10 whose main target is girls in “at risk” areas to encourage an early love of the sciences. It is her belief that science education can be the path out of poverty. These camps, run completely by grants and donation money have spread across the country and even internationally.

Her passion for science was deepened this past year when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive bone tumor. She credits science for saving her leg and quite possibly her life. Not letting this setback stop her, she began doing her camps from her wheelchair only eight weeks after her surgery! As determined about her recovery as she is about her camps, she is now walking without assistance! 

  • Media & speaking opportunities:
  • The New York Times, PEOPLE, TeenPEOPLE, Inspire Magazine, Do Something Magazine, and others.
  • Miley Cyrus’s 16th Birthday Bash in Disneyland. Selected YSA Service Star spokesperson for media interviews as well as a personal interview that was shown on the Jumbotrons during the concert.
  • Convocation Speaker at the Founders Convocation for Russell Sage College for Women. September 2008.
  • National Science Education Symposium “Science Generation” - held in April 2008 at the Museum of Natural History in NYC. (Other speakers included Speaker Newt Gingrich and Discover Channel star Neil Degrasse.)
  • Speaker for Advanta Corp Bring Your Kids to Work Day April 2008
For more information, please visit astrotots.org

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. So simple but so brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom Becca and best of luck with AstroTots; what a cool idea!

  2. Becca, you are a gift to the world! Such inner strength. I am a stroke survivor and fellow IMT luminary and know what it takes to persevere when faced with adversity. As the saying goes…You Go Girl! This world is a better place because you’re in it. 🙂 Good luck to you!

  3. That is amazing that you have this deep truth and wisdom at being just 17 years old. You and your story
    are very inspiring and you are making already a huge difference in the world. Thank you for sharing your brilliance. The very best to you and you future.

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