Scholar of the Week

Ahmed Woodson of Thomas Jefferson High School

By Janeal Downs

One night when Ahmed Woodson was about 10 years old, cialis the night sky was abnormally clear. “I could see so many stars, treatment so many constellations, and as a kid you’re just curious?” Woodson said. Interested in learning more about what was up there and who were the people who learned about it, he began to research. His research brought him to the career of an astronaut and he knew from that moment, that was what he wanted to do. From there the idea stuck, and since then he has wanted to go into Outer Space, and potentially to Mars. His goal is to one day work for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

In order to achieve his goal, Woodson said that college is the next stepping stone to becoming an astronaut. He plans to first receive a Bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering with a minor in business and also receive a Master’s degree in the same field. His top college of choice is the University of Maryland at College Park. “With Maryland I felt as though people were open and welcoming and I really enjoyed that,” Woodson said. He was attracted to the school because of its great aerospace engineering program and the culture of the university, which he described as open and warm atmosphere; the diversity on campus; its proximity to Washington, D.C. Being close to D.C. will give him the opportunity to meet people from other colleges and network. The school also has a partnership with NASA which will work in his favor.

He is also interested in the university because of their D1 sports status. Outside of school, one of Woodson’s favorite things to do is play basketball. He currently plays as the shooting guard, but also plays as point guard when needed. Other than basketball he runs Cross Country, Indoor/Outdoor Track and recently began playing Tennis and Volleyball. Woodson enjoys the competitive environment of sports. “Engaging in athletic activity is one of my favorite things to do,” Woodson wrote in an essay. “Pushing myself, testing my limits; bidding my will against that of another’s, captivated me.” While he enjoys the competitive environment of athletics, he also likes science, math, creative writing and his favorite subject is history.

Woodson said he tries to not take life too seriously and described himself as “insanely funny” and a complex, people person. “I don’t believe that I really fit into any of the stereotypical high school cliques, such as the “jocks” or the “nerds,” he stated. “My personality is very open-minded and amenable to other viewpoints.” He said his academic, athletic and personality characteristics are all diverse. Other than sports and academics, his favorite things to do include spending time with his family and volunteering. “I like to give people the blessings that were blessed upon me,” Woodson said about why he enjoys giving back and volunteering. He has been involved with a variety of organizations such as the Technology Student Association, the Leader’s Club at the YMCA, the Key Club, the National Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society and more. With all of his extracurricular activities, he currently maintains a 4.5 cumulative GPA.

Woodson said his mother is one of the most influential people in his life. “I see how hard she works to make sure that I have everything and that everything is working in the household,” Woodson said about why she inspires him. “It makes me want to work hard and make it so we don’t have to work as hard in the future.” With his goal of becoming an astronaut and working for NASA, Woodson also hopes to create a better life for everyone around him.