Stars fascinated me ever since I can remember. Later, I found out that most of our great stories are linked to them in one way or another, and life too. That's what inspires me to be both a ‘starry-teller’ and an astrobiologist. My wild rabbit has always been curiosity and my technical expertise draws from biological sciences. I use both to support science education and the dream of space exploration. And I want the human race to survive beyond the 4.5 billion years left with our Sun, to become a space faring civilization. If I could make a wish for humankind, I would wish that all people could follow their dreams. This is not a given for all in our world as yet but I choose hope. I have faith that telling our success stories can make a difference for others. I also believe that culture is merely a set of instructions handed down from our ancestors for generations, to ensure our best survival. That culture, shaped by geographical constraints, is not a reason to start war. I would wish for people to understand that progress comes from sharing knowledge, and that extinction is forever! More than anything, I wish people could comprehend that we are made of stardust. Thus, in life everything is possible. An old newspaper clipping from the Dominion Post has been an inspiration to me all these years. It says: “destiny is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.”What I know for sure is... knowing that I am made of stardust makes me shine every day.