Get All Access for $5/mo

Read This 9-Year-Old's Heartwarming Application Letter to NASA This fourth grader is determined to make his dreams come true.

By Rose Leadem

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images

From Hollywood star to astronaut, every kid thinks about what they want to be when they grow up. While some put aside these ambitions, other children are more determined to turn these dreams into reality. For 9-year-old New Jersey resident Jack Davis, going to the moon and fighting aliens is at the top of his to-do list -- and he's determined to make it happen.

Related: 5 Ways Children Can Teach You How to Keep the Dream Alive

After NASA recently announced it's seeking a new "Planetary Protection Officer," Jack, a fourth grader, sent in an application. So what makes him qualified to join NASA? Well, for starters, he identifies himself as a "Guardian of the Galaxy." And according to his sister, he's an alien. Jack also says he's young, so he'll be able to learn to think like an alien. Jack also boasts that he's great at video games and has "seen almost all of the alien movies I can see."

Related: 5 Ways to Open and Nurture Your Imagination

Unfortunately, the job requires a few more years of experience. However, that doesn't mean Jack should forget about his dreams altogether. Jonathan Rall, NASA's director of planetary research, gave Jack a call to congratulate him on his interest in the position, and NASA's Planetary Science Director Jim Green wrote back with an encouraging note, telling him to "study hard and do well in school."

Rose Leadem is a freelance writer for Entrepreneur.com. 

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

Homeowners in These 10 States Pay the Most in 'Hidden' Upkeep Costs

Hidden home costs pile on top of mortgage payments.

Growing a Business

5 Books to Help You Motivate, Unify and Build Perspective

In a post-Covid world, check out these must-read books to help build a more resilient organization, create a modern work culture and maintain a powerful growth mindset.

Money & Finance

Avoid These 10 Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make with Money

Despite the challenging statistic that only 5% of startups survive beyond five years, common financial pitfalls often contribute to their failure. Through personal observation, I've identified the prevalent financial mistakes made by entrepreneurs.

Growing a Business

How Visionary Leaders Transform Curiosity Into Groundbreaking Ideas

Lee Brian Schrager, founder of the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, discusses the spark that launched FoodieCon, his best practices for running popular food events, and why all business owners need to adapt to social media trends.

Making a Change

Learn All of Rosetta Stone's Languages for $152

A lifetime subscription is nearly $250 off for a limited time.