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illinois native quatzi alabarujo

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attributes his success at nasa to a

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strong parental influence on academics

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tenacity and hard work and a lifelong

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fascination with space and exploration

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so at the ripe old age of

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10

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i set the goal of getting into mit and

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that provided a focus

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for everything i do academically for how

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i would approach my studies

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it helped keep me focused and

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disciplined in accomplishing uh

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all of the required objectives that i

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had for my coursework doing well on my

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exams working for nasa has been an

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opportunity for

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me to really indulge my fascination and

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passion for space

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while remaining engaged in what my

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mother would call honest work

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so that's what it's really meant to me

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as lead flight director for sts-130

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ali barujo provides technical expertise

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in one or more phases of international

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space station and space shuttle missions

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he also plans directs and controls

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ground support during mission operations

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and evaluates mission objectives to

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ensure crew safety ali barujo has also

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led the group responsible for life

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support systems aboard the iss

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as an african-american ali barujo says

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he's had to confront his share of racial

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intolerance but advises young minorities

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to keep their eye on the prize pushing

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past real or perceived barriers they

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might encounter as they work toward

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their goals

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you'll always encounter people who

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because of the color of your skin

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might not have your best interest at

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heart but you'll also encounter many

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other people who want to see you succeed

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and who will be

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good partners with you in your life as

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you try to to go forward and so don't

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let the challenge or or the fear

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of your road being difficult discourage

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you from pursuing your dreams and the

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things that you want to do throughout

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his career kwazii alabarujo has received

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numerous awards for his work including

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nasa's outstanding leadership medal and