On this #NationalSpaceDay we celebrate a #FirstieFriday heading to the @spaceforcedod after graduation. C1C Valerie Smith will be a space operations Guardian after receiving her degree in behavioral science. Valerie says she came to #youracademy from North Carolina to set herself up for success and become part of a new family. While here she's enjoyed exploring the area with friends and tried hard not to let school demolish her sleep schedule as she's not only busy with classes and training but also competes with the gymnastics team. Valerie says one thing she's learned is not to compare yourself to others, because everyone here is amazing in their own way. She's taking with her great memories of all the big milestones and a senior year that was both exciting and rewarding! #usafa2022 #SemperSupra #leadersofcharacter @pinkpanthers36