Derrick’s BSc Dream to reach the stars.

Ever since I was a child, I have always been fascinated with Outer Space and the galaxies.It has always been my dream to be involved in The Space Industry.

There have been many obstacles along the way, but I persevered and have now completed my 2^nd last year of my BSc.

I am so close to completing my BSc, but I have run out of funds.I am humbly asking for donations so I can complete my last year with Open University.

My journey towards reaching my dream has been a long one.

This is my story…

After completing high school, I wanted to study at the local university but was not accepted because I am not a South African citizen.Instead, I went to the local college and attended both day and night classes (getting to collage at around 8:30am and leaving around 10pm).I obtained my National diploma in Engineering through the college.

My first proper job was with a telecommunications company. I chose it over other opportunities because it involved wireless communications (radio, microwave and satellite).This job was the closest one related to radio astronomy that I could get.

Whilst working in this company, I started studying towards my degree with Technikon SA via correspondence work.When UNISA absorbed Technikon, most of my modules were not recognized, and my first year credits became non-existent.I became very despondent about continuing.

Instead of giving up, I enrolled for night classes at a local college to get a diploma in Project Management.This diploma helped me get a work promotion.However, my desire to work in the space industry would not abate, so I enrolled with UNISA and started my degree from scratch again.

In 2013, my life was on track to get into the space industry.I had over a decade of experience within the telecommunications industry and half a decade on Project Management/Coordination.Then in late 2013, the company I was working for downsized and my section was dissolved, leaving me unemployed.

My wife and I always try to make the best we can from bad situations. Being unemployed gave me free time, so I used our savings to study at the local university full time to gain credits towards my completing my UNISA degree.Being a fulltime student gave me access to lecturers, who were more than willing to give me the help I needed.

In 2014, UNISA discontinued their Astrophysics degree.Once again, I lost over half my credits.

I contacted several universities around the world to find out if they would recognize the progress I had already made towards completing my degree. I had several positive responses and after careful consideration, I decided to register with Open University as they are not based in South Africa (as I have lost faith in South African correspondence education institutions).

I do not have the funds to complete my degree as I need ₤6024 for my last year. Additionally, I fear I cannot get financial assistance for my studies due to my age. I have paid for my studies so far: by working overtime and making sacrifices.

I am just asking for help so I can get closer to a dream I think is out of reach now.The phrase, "Aim for the stars and hit the moon" has stuck with me and I have tried all my life to work in the space field.

As time has gone by the list of companies I want to work for has grown. Bigelow Aerospace, Blue Origin, ESA, NASA, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic to mention a few. This is a niche field that is growing which I will thrive in, given the opportunity. Thank you.