Overcoming Obstacles to Chart His Own Course

Overcoming Obstacles

Aerospace Engineering major Prabhsidak Singh’s ('25) childhood dream was to become an astronaut, but you have to be a U.S. citizen to apply. Being from India, he knows that’s not possible – at least not now.

“I’ll keep trying. You never know,” he said matter-of-factly.

Singh has seen obstacles standing in his way before but never believed they would stop him from achieving any of his goals. In fact, he’s made of a habit of pushing against that type of resistance.

For example, his childhood fear of the water nearly drowned him on his first trip to Daytona Beach right before classes began his first year. However, rather than letting that experience prevent him from enjoying one of the huge perks of the Daytona Beach campus, its proximity to the beach, he literally dove right into conquering his fear. Thanks to the campus’s SHARK (Studying Habits and Reef Kingdoms) club, he became a certified open water diver, a skill astronauts are required to have.

Singh also feared social situations when he first arrived on campus and thought his appearance may prevent him from meeting people. He is of the Sikh religion and wears a turban, something that makes him stand out and, as it turns out, in the best way possible. He often gets asked about the significance of his turban which he said is a unique experience that excites him because he loves to share his culture with others.

“When people see me [and my turban], they remember me which helps me grow my social network,” he said, adding that now, “I know six out of every ten people here!”

School clubs and organizations helped further his connections. He joined the ERAU Esports, an on-campus gaming club that competes against other colleges and universities.

“My friends dragged me into this,” he said with a laugh. “Turns out, I’m good at it.”

Network Equals Net Worth

Singh feels he missed out on a lot of opportunities when he first arrived on campus by avoiding interactions with his fellow Eagles, so he encourages new and prospective students to conquer those fears by stepping out of their comfort zone and talking to people. Not only is it a great way to build community, it’s also effective in establishing a professional network.

“Create your network. Your network is your net worth. If you keep [building] your network, you’ll never know when you’ll get that opportunity of your life.”

He wants to encourage others to pursue what they love regardless of how difficult the path may seem; otherwise, they may risk a lifetime of unhappiness.

“If you are passionate about something, go for that instead of taking the easy path,” which is exactly what he is doing.

Experience the Present

Singh had been interested in aerospace since he was in high school where he had the opportunity to compete in the International Space Settlement Design Competition helping design an orbital settlement that could sustain life in space. He entered his team’s design in several competitions which he called a unique learning experience. He then repurposed the same design for a competition that asked entrants how they could help the community during the COVID-19 pandemic by designing a “Human Space Isolation Center” to combat overcrowding at hospitals all around the world. His entry won second runner-up in the International A’Design Awards and Competition and was featured in their Design Magazine and Gala Dinner in Italy. He has been building upon that experience ever since.

Experience has also taught him to try not to think too far ahead or you’ll miss what’s right in front of you; and that’s what keeps him motivated.