Garrick Smith - Taking Steps to Work for NASA

Detroit has a reputation of spitting out people who can achieve just about anything. Musicians, athletes, and business gurus only make up a small number of the city's prodigies. These people go on to change the world, and shift the culture as we know it.

Garrick Smith is one of these game changers. The Cody High School graduate has been a computer wizard for most of his life. Smith has used his skills to gain clientele, build his skills, and find steady work. He currently lends his hand at All About Technology as the senior technician and sales specialist, where he works under the tutelage of Mr. Willie Brake. Garrick spends his freelance time building computers and sharpening his craft.

Garrick has taken his strengths to astronomical levels. He is a recent graduate of NASA's Career Simulation Internship. During the three month NASA program Garrick worked with a team of interns and they created a program that NASA will use with their space rovers.

The program was completed entirely online, Garrick did not have to leave home to earn his certification, and will not have to leave home to start his career at NASA. But to become eligible, he still has more to do. A Bachelor's Degree is required for Garrick's application to process. He is currently working on that. He just finished classes, officially graduated from Wayne County Community College, and will be walking across the stage on June 3rd.

With the help of his WCCCD credits, Garrick Smith plans to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Wayne State University. From there he plans to start his career at NASA. This will allow him to use what he's learned at its fullest capacity, and fund his dreams of pedestrian space travel. Keep up the hard work, Garrick Smith. The Telegram Newspaper, and the city of Detroit are proud of you.

Xavier Jones - How did you come across the opportunity to take on an internship at NASA?

Garrick Smith - Something told me that I should look for more opportunities, and I did. When I found it I got discouraged. I didn't think I was right for it. Someone from NASA sent me an email and strongly suggested I apply. They were right because NASA accepted my application.

Xavier Jones - What's the outcome now that the internship is over?

Garrick Smith - I got connected with NASA. I was awarded a certificate and told I can get an engineering job after I earn my Bachelor's Degree.

Xavier Jones - What was the outline of the internship?

Garrick Smith - We made a program that the NASA rovers are going to use to travel and explore the moon. The basic idea and application is going to be implemented. But they're not going to use it on the moon.

Xavier Jones - How has having a hobby like technology and computers treated you while growing up in Detroit?

Garrick Smith - It has provided me with connections and experiences that I will never forget. At the same time it allowed me to explore my passion. Working here at All About Technology changed my life for the better. I'm allowed to do what I love, and I'm getting into engineering off of that. Computers have always been a stepping stone to engineering. It's my ultimate goal to become an aerospace engineer and astrophysicist.