Out of this World: How a NASA Internship Helped Gabriella Morris Prepare For Her Future

June 11, 2025
  1. P.O.V. Publish Our Voices

Written by Angelina Crosby, Raymore-Peculiar Senior
Initially published in “P.O.V. Publish Our Voices,” a student-run magazine showcasing the perspectives of young writers.

Real World Learning is a program to help students go beyond the classroom, and for senior Gabriella Morris, Real World Learning took her out of this world. Working with Lincoln NASA-USDA over the summer, Morris gained valuable experience for her future.

“This experience built up my problem-solving and communication skills. So I think this experience will help me when working in group settings and when advocating for my team,” said Morris.

While most students spend their time confined to traditional lessons, Morris was able to learn about problems that are impactful to student’s futures.

I learned about digital agriculture, and the need for more young people interested in pursuing a career in STEM. We focused on using satellite images, and AI to detect diseases in crops before they could spread.

Gabriella Morris, Student

Being what Morris considers a “huge nerd,” she was eager to take on an internship with NASA. The adults in her life helped provide her with a large support system when taking on such a huge opportunity.

“My teachers at school and my mentors at the internship were definitely a part of my biggest support. They ingrained in me that I’m qualified to be here and that I know what I’m doing- even if I didn’t feel like it,” said Morris.

Unlike traditional classes, Real World Learning objectives like Morris’s NASA internship thrive to give students more agency over their learning, while still providing them with the assistance they need.

We had guidance, but much of the tasks and ‘problems’ that needed to be solved were all student-driven.

Gabriella Morris, Student

While it can be scary to challenge traditional ideas of learning, internships are meant to prepare students for their future. Morris tells students that internships are a learning opportunity and that they should use these opportunities to push themselves.

“This is a learning opportunity, and everyone who is working with you- or who you are working for is aware of that and expects mistakes. It’s okay to be nervous, but push your own boundaries,” said Morris.