UNM student set to become first New Mexican commissioned into U.S. Space Force
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – One New Mexico student always set her sights high, but now, she's reaching for the stars. This May, University of New Mexico student Amy Goodman will not only earn her degree but also secure her place in history as the first New Mexican woman commissioned into the United States Space Force.
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The 21-year-old is a senior at the University of New Mexico studying global and national security. Not only is she an academic machine but she's also set to become the first New Mexican woman commissioned into the United States Space Force. 'I did not think that I was what the space force was looking for, so when I found that out it was a very exhilarating feeling,' said Goodman.
For Goodman, military service runs in the family. Her grandfather served in the Air Force and her father is an Army veteran. Now, as she prepares to embark on a career in the nation's newest military branch, her family couldn't be more proud. 'We try not to get too mushy, but the family is very proud of her. She's carrying the guide on the family heritage and we're rootin for her,' said Everett Goodman, Amy's father.
Her journey to this point has been filled with challenges and hard work while juggling a demanding curriculum. She is also training as an ROTC cadet. Goodman's achievements are paving the way for more women to follow in her footsteps. 'the most challenging part is balancing work with school and ROTC life all together. A good portion of my academic career was working like three jobs at once… I just love to be busy,' Goodman said.
As she prepares for basic training, Goodman remains focused on her long-term goal of helping shape the future of space defense and inspiring other young women to pursue careers in the military. 'It has been a very male-dominated field, but more and more every day there's more females wanting to do things like this and I think not only within the Air Force, but space exploration as a whole,' said Goodman.
She will head to Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs for her cadet training.
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