Mission to Mars:
Beyond the Frontier
by Marijka Ristic
This 30-day journey to Mars is chronicled through a blend of personal reflections and scientific insights. Each day brings a new focus—from propulsion and microgravity to the mysteries of dark matter and dodging black holes—offering a vivid glimpse into the science and excitement of space exploration. As Marijka and her teammates share their anticipation of being among the first humans on Mars, the story captures the thrill of discovery and the awe of advancing the frontier of human knowledge.
The mission is clear: Mars is within our reach, and the future is in their hands.
Book Exerpt…
My communication with Earth is nonexistent. But I remember when, in 2024, JWST “saw” light from a galaxy that was released 13.5 billion years ago — just 0.3 billion years after the Big Bang. We cannot see how that galaxy looks today; it looks like it looked 13.5 years ago because these photos are now arriving at JWST lenses. These were the early days of the universe, a paltry 300 million years after the Big Bang. We will never be able to see the earliest light, even with a stronger telescope, because light could not have gotten through the very dense cloud in the first million years after the Big Bang. If we both sent signals, an alien civilization in the middle could receive both and combine them. “Our entire universe is probably in a tiny glass jar somewhere, placed on a shelf in an alien’s child’s room as a science fair project that got a C-.”
–Marijka Ristic, Beyond the Frontier
“A gripping story that captivated both my scientific and imaginative intrigue describing the journey to Mars in such a way that I felt as if I were on that ship. Each twist, turn, emotion, and adventure were so vivid, it was as if a movie were playing in my mind – I could visualize the scene and imagine what it would feel like to be embarking on such an incredible adventure.” – Zach Sharpell
Meet Marijka Ristic
Our 2nd Place Winner, Marijka Ristic, is a 14-year-old freshman from Willow Springs, a suburb in the Chicagoland area in Illinois.
Marijka plans to major in Pharmacy and minor in Aviation Management. She has received awards such as Student of the Year, Parents for Children, Principal’s Choice, Basketball MVP, and multiple essay contests.
She is an Oshkosh “Air Academy” scholar and attended the camp focused on building model airplanes, flying in a helicopter and airplane, using flight simulators, and attending ground school.
She is interested in learning about the impact of microgravity on health.
GRADE
Career of Choice:
Life sciences (chemistry, biology); minor in aviation management
Intended Career Path:
While focusing on Pharmacy and Aviation, I intend to be heavily involved with the local EAA 461 club, Athenian, and Higher Orbits.
“I have always been inspired by airplanes. From the time I was nine years old, I have been in a STEM environment whether I was co-piloting airplanes, assembling a real Cruzer airplane, or attending expos. I thrive when getting my hands dirty. As I continue exploring, I have expanded my horizons and begun learning about space. I started reading books and newspaper articles, soon becoming fascinated by how much there is to know. After my father introduced me to the BeAthenian.org website, I saw how many choices they provided for career exploration for young students like me – such as Mission to Mars: Space Diary. It was a perfect challenge for me to write about what I love!” – Marijka
Mission to Mars: A Journey Like No Other
An Anthology of Unforgettable Adventures from Award-Winning Young Authors
Mission to Mars is not just a book—it’s the final chapter in an inspiring contest by young visionaries from across the USA. Experience the captivating stories that brought these dreams of space exploration to life.
Your purchase helps fund the innovative programs that Athenian provides, supporting students who love STEM, creativity, and communication. By investing in this book, you’re also investing in the future of education and the next generation of explorers, builders, and storytellers. Thank you for making a difference!
It’s Not Too Late!
You might have missed the contest, but the adventure is far from over! You can still subscribe to the course and dive into writing your own Mission to Mars story. Imagine your life 20 years from now as you embark on a 30-day journey to Mars with your four teammates.
By subscribing to the Mission to Mars course, you’ll gain access to exclusive interviews with experts, thought-provoking writing prompts, and all the worksheets you need to fuel your creative writing journey.
Don’t let the countdown end—subscribe today and let your story take flight!
