Two years ago, we spoke to Molly, a Physics Major at Michigan State University. 
1. Introduce yourself, who are you, and what do you do?
Hi! I’m Molly Janasik and I am a physics major at Michigan State University. I am about to start my sixth and final year and I hope to pursue aerospace engineering upon graduating. I keep busy with my three jobs, full school schedule, dance team, and new school club- the MSU chapter of the Society of Women in Space Exploration.
2. How did you arrive at this career (or point in your life/work)? Was it always something you knew you wanted to do?
I was actually an artist my whole life! I never saw myself as a scientist until I took a required intro astrophysics class three years ago at MSU that completely blew my mind. And I have been in love ever since!
3. What about your job makes you jump out of bed in the morning, especially on those cold, dark mornings?
Curiosity! And the love for making things happen.
4. What is your personal cure for stress or how do you raise your spirits in times of doubt? Can you share a story?
Working out every single day has helped me immensely in curbing stress. I try to find a way to move every single day and stretch, it does wonders for your mood.
5. Who is your role model? If no one, any thoughts on this?
My parents are my biggest role models. They both love getting up every day to go to work, so I have always tried hard to find my passion so I can be as happy as they are when I grow up!
6. What advice would you give to yourself if you could go back in time?
To be more open minded! I always shrugged off science as something that just wasn’t “me” since I thought you could only be one thing, and I was a graphic designer at the time. But you can most certainly be anything, and everything at once! I would tell myself to try more things.
7. Top 3 tips for girls starting out in STEM?
Network, network, network! I have had so many opportunities because of people I have connected with in person or on Twitter. Don’t be afraid to send emails or meet up with people you have never met before but would like to- people are so eager to help others in this field!
8. How do you measure your success?
By my happiness and my positive impact on others.
9. Where can we find out more about your work?
I don’t have a website at the moment, but I post everything on my twitter account (@astro_molldoll) or my club’s page (@msuswise)!
10. Are you social? Will you share your Twitter handle, or LinkedIn profile, or Facebook so that young women can connect with you?
Sure!
Twitter: @astro_molldoll
Instagram: @astro_molldoll
