Grade 12 Student’s Dream to Become Aerospace Engineer Lifts Off

Guillaume first joined AIS in Grade 7. He knew then he wanted to be an aerospace engineer. In fact, he says he’s always wanted to be an astronaut, ever since he can remember. After graduation, this member of the Class of 2022 will head off on a mission to do just that.

“I’ve been accepted into the Technical University of Delft for their Aerospace Engineering Bachelor Programme. I managed to achieve the ranking number of 112 out of 1800 applicants, putting me well into the 440 necessary to get in. So I’m very content being able to go to my top choice university,” Guillaume explains.

He remembers discussing Aerospace Engineering with the school’s University Counsellor beginning in Grade 8. Guillaume wants to build rockets and perhaps live out his dream of becoming an astronaut.

“The mechanics around launching stuff into space and even just flight are incredibly interesting to me. I’ve always wanted to be an aerospace engineer or an astronaut. I started off when I was age two looking at steam trains. ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ was my favourite show. So that got me into mechanics and systems. I was already able to understand the technical details of a steam engine by the age of four,” Guillaume said.

He points out that for his Physics Internal Assessment in Grade 12, he essentially looked at something with regards to aerospace engineering, the drag on NERF darts. “That’s a project that’s very much linked to my goals in the future and that’s something that AIS definitely encourages and allows.” You can see him working on this project in the video below.

He worked on that project, like many others, in the new STEMzone, a place where he spends a lot of time. “The STEMzone is a very innovative area in itself,” Guillaume said. 

He says innovation is definitely a key aspect of AIS, one that’s pushed by the students and the staff as well. “The options to further your interest are definitely there at AIS; for example, when I did my Personal Project, where I essentially built a mini, motorized car.” 

Guillaume’s self-determination led him to complete that project. Guillaume said, “It was a very fun project to do.”

As Guillaume prepares for university, he thinks back to his time at AIS fondly. “It was a very open and welcoming environment,” Guillaume said. He values the approachability of the teachers at AIS and said, “It’s a very open style of learning, very intuitive. I’ve been able to gather many different insights from the teachers.” 

He admits leaving AIS will be somewhat emotional for him: “I’m going to look back at AIS as the Cape Canaveral of my voyages.” AIS is launching another student toward a successful future.