You Belong Here

From an early age, children are naturally curious about the way the world works. They test gravity by jumping off steps, experiment with momentum by crashing toys, and push the boundaries of nature—even if they don’t yet know Newton’s laws. They learn, fail, try again, and importantly, have fun along the way. And if they’re lucky, the caregivers and educators in their lives nurture their inquisitive nature, which eventually leads to an interest in science.

For many of the students that I’ve met through my work at the American Physical Society and at the American Institute of Physics (home to SPS), that early spark was fanned by a parent, a science educator, or a high school physics teacher who imparted an excitement for physics, built up the belief that they could successfully pursue a science degree, and helped them imagine a future in science.

But for some, though they arrived at college full of excitement, ready to take on the challenge of a physics or astronomy degree and driven by the prospect of expanding their understanding of our world and universe, somewhere along the way deep doubt crept in. Maybe it came from internal pressures to be perfect or from classmates or professors. Perhaps it was fueled by insurmountable circumstances outside of their control, or maybe it came from being immersed in systems that were never designed to support them. Whatever the source, too often, bright, capable students full of potential questioned whether they belonged in physics or astronomy at all.

As someone who has spent decades in the science community supporting undergraduate physics and astronomy students, encouraging them to persist in their studies, connecting them to opportunities, and hopefully, helping them reconnect to their love of science, I want to tell you clearly: You do belong here.

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way that I hope you’ll carry with you.

1: If you have a love for physics or astronomy, consider pursuing it.
I believe that each of us on the planet is here for a purpose. If your life experiences have cultivated in you a deep desire to understand how the universe works through the lens of physics or astronomy, your purpose might lie in your pursuit of science. Maybe you will be the one to uncover the next new particle, the next habitable planet, or how quantum science can transform our world. Your curiosity matters and deserves to be nurtured.

2: Talent in physics is not innate—it’s cultivated.
Everyone can be a physicist or astronomer. Early in my career, I often heard faculty talk fondly of students who “had talent” and, regrettably, of those who did not. The idea was that some students had innate intelligence or ability to be successful in physics, while others did not. However, this fixed mindset ignores the reality that success in physics has more to do with access to resources, strong mentorship, support structures, and opportunities. The truth is that almost everyone is capable of learning and succeeding in physics, given the motivation to work hard and persist, the right opportunities, proper instruction, tailored support, resources, and encouragement.

3: Everyone struggles in physics; if you are, you’re learning something new.
Many students who were high achievers in high school come to college and struggle in their physics courses. This is often the moment they begin to wonder if everyone else is smarter than them and begin to doubt their capability to be successful in physics or astronomy. But everyone struggles at some point in their physics and astronomy courses. These are difficult fields and the courses are tough. As physics professor Chandralekha Singh has emphasized in her research, struggling is a necessary part of deep learning. So be proud of the effort. It means you are on the right path.

4: Your professors probably failed a course or test.
You see your professors as experts in their fields, and they are. They have incredible knowledge that they are imparting to you, shaping the way you think and molding your mind, but they weren’t always where they are now. I have spoken to hundreds of physics and astronomy professors, and I can tell you that many have failed tests, retaken courses, and struggled with topics like quantum mechanics, and many did poorly on the physics GRE (an exam sometimes required for admission to physics graduate programs). They are human and were once in your shoes. They didn’t arrive at mastery without setbacks, and neither will you. They reached out for support, leaned on mentors, connected with peers—perhaps in an SPS chapter—and most importantly, kept going. You can, too. And know that reaching out for help isn’t weakness—it’s wise and expected.

5: lt’s never too early to reflect on your future career.
Spend time reflecting on what you enjoy, what comes easily or naturally to you, and also what drains you. Does the idea of frequently working on new projects excite you? You might be suited to a career in industry. Do you prefer long-term projects and the thought of researching deep scientific questions? Then a research career, possibly in academia, might be for you. If you’re interested in becoming a professor, learn about faculty careers using resources like the American Institute of Physics Statistical Research Center (aip.org/statistics ), and meet with some of your professors to understand what their careers actually entail. Ask what they love about their careers, how they spend most of their working time, what skills they wish they’d developed sooner, and what impact their careers have had on their personal lives. If you are interested in a career in industry, reach out to scientists and engineers in industry with the help of professional societies or LinkedIn and ask similar questions. The earlier you explore possible careers, the more time you’ll have to build skills and engage in experiences that align with your future goals.

6: Be a Scientist and an expert communicator.
As a physicist or astronomer, you’ll need to communicate your science to others. You may be presenting your research to other scientists, pitching an idea for an experiment or program to a potential donor, or translating your scientific work to influence the public’s view on science. Whatever it is, good communication is essential. Take a communications class and seek frequent opportunities to give talks about your research to a variety of audiences. Learn to tailor your communications to different audiences for greater impact, and this will expand your career possibilities.

7: There will always be naysayers.
Some people, whether peers, professors, or even family, may doubt your potential or capability. They might question your ability to earn your bachelor’s degree in physics or astronomy, to get into graduate school, or to attain a coveted fellowship. Learn to distinguish between those offering constructive feedback and those projecting their own limitations or biases onto you. The former are worthy of your attention. The latter are not. Remember, this is your journey, and what matters most is your belief in yourself and your determination to achieve your goals. You are capable of success. Align yourself with people who can assist you with achieving your goals, and if someone says you can’t do it, use their doubt as motivation to get it done.

Physics and astronomy are not fields for the select few. They are for those who remain curious, who dream of unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and who choose to use their scientific knowledge to make their communities and society better.

You belong here. We need you here. And we will be better because of you. Keep going.