Dyslexia can’t keep ECHS student from goals, NASA internship

It’s not every day you see a high school student set to receive her associate’s degree upon graduating, let alone be selected for prestigious internships with NASA and an engineering firm.

Ciara Crilow, a current senior at Marysville Early College High School (ECHS), is that student. Her drive to grow and her willingness to take on work has put her in a position for future success.

But it hasn’t always been easy for her.

Ciara has lived in Marysville her whole life, growing up as the youngest of three siblings with two sisters, Kaitlin and Carrie. Carrie graduated from Marysville High School in 2016, with Kaitlin following in 2021.

Ciara loves spending her time outdoors, whether hiking or kayaking, she enjoys being active. Her creative and curious nature was challenged at a young age.

A diagnosis of dyslexia made learning incredibly tough for Ciara growing up. Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to difficulties with reading, writing and spelling.

Growing up, many people told her she wouldn’t be able to reach her goals because of her dyslexia, a notion that only motivated her to prove them wrong.

That determination led Ciara to take on college-level coursework early in her high school career, a move she said was meant to challenge herself.

“First semester freshman year I didn’t feel challenged,” Ciara said. “I wanted to be pushed as a freshman. So, sophomore year I decided to make the switch.”

That decision paid off, as her academic and personal drive opened doors to a prestigious internship with NASA — an opportunity extended to only about 5% of applicants — and another internship with Prater Engineering during her junior year, where she served as an electrical engineer.

At NASA, Ciara spent time networking with astronauts, hearing their stories, and learning how life in space affects the human body, a topic she joked she could talk about for hours, showing her genuine passion for her work.

She also collaborated on a research project with a group of “eight like-minded individuals,” as her mother, Robin Crilow, described it. The project focused on the gut microbiome aboard the International Space Station, expanding Ciara’s knowledge and experience in aerospace and biomedical research.

Her team’s work was recognized as prestigious, earning approval for presentation at the American Geophysical Union (AGU) Conference, one of the most respected science conferences in the world, bringing together more than 20,000 scientists in New Orleans this December.

Ciara said she’s honored to share her group’s accomplishments.

“The accomplishments of the NASA internship of what we accomplished with my group is a big honor,” Ciara said. “They are very selective of who they let in. I am very excited. The eight people in my group are from all over, so it will be fun.”

Her mother said she’s proud of the group of peers who have supported Ciara along the way.

“They talk every day and play games together every day,” Robin said.

As she prepares to close her chapter at ECHS, Ciara reflects on how the school’s programs and support have shaped her success. It’s a milestone that once seemed out of reach but became possible through her mindset and perseverance.

Another major influence for Ciara has been her involvement in the Women in STEM program. She has embraced a leadership role within the organization and uses it to inspire others.

“The Women in STEM program shows girls they can accomplish anything,” Ciara said. “I am an ambassador of the program and I love being that role model to show people they can set out to accomplish their goals.”

Ciara credits Marysville ECHS Counselor Beth Nicol with helping her overcome dyslexia and believe in herself.

“Going into ECHS, my guidance counselor Mrs. Nicol really helped me a lot. My internship coordinators Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Wagner afforded me the opportunity to be involved with internships. Mrs. Nicol afforded me the opportunity to know that I can do the college classes.”

Now, Ciara is planning the next stage of her journey, narrowing down universities that fit both her academic and career goals. A key factor in her college search is finding schools with Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs.

“The colleges I’m looking at need to have specific ROTC programs for me to attain my goals. Some of the universities I am looking at are West Virginia University, Purdue University, University of Illinois, University of Alabama of Huntsville, and the University of Michigan.”

Her top three choices right now are West Virginia, Purdue and Alabama in Huntsville. In addition to ROTC, Ciara is also exploring nuclear engineering and pre-law as potential career paths.

“Maybe I will shift to wanting to be a lawyer if I don’t like engineering in college. But for right now, I am focusing on schools with a niche field of aerospace as well as having a very niche field of nuclear.”

Following college graduation, Ciara plans to get commissioned as an officer in the Air Force. The bright-minded, motivated Monarch has multiple avenues she can pursue after departing Marysville, each setting her up for continued success.

Her mother, Robin, became emotional when reflecting on Ciara’s journey, from struggling with dyslexia to thriving as one of the top students in her class.

“Ciara was in an IEP kindergarten through fourth grade,” Robin said. “There were many challenges with her dyslexia. She worked extremely hard to overcome that, and she really excelled once she didn’t need to be like everyone else to learn her way. She was told she couldn’t do most things by a lot of people, and she never stopped fighting.”

Ciara hopes her story inspires others facing similar challenges to keep pushing forward and believe in what they can achieve.

Her determination, leadership and resilience have already proven she can overcome obstacles and thrive. As she finishes her senior year, she said she is ready to take on the next chapter of her journey, with confidence that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.