BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — A nine-year-old from Bismarck is back from the trip of a lifetime. Nevaya Ternes was one of just eight kids across the country selected for the 2024 SpaceKids Global Press Squad. Her journey took her to Florida, where she visited Blue Origin’s Rocket Park, toured NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, and met real astronauts. Nevaya even witnessed a rocket launch up close. “I won a trip to go to NASA, and it was super fun. My favorite part was seeing a rocket launch in person and making friends with a few people,” she said. “I hope that the friendship will last forever.” Nevaya says the rocket launch was unforgettable. “We felt it all around us. It felt like there was like an earthquake,” she said. Her trip also included interviews with astronauts like Sharon Hagle, who recently flew on Blue Origin’s New Shepard. “I asked Sharon what the hardest knot to tie in space was,” Nevaya said. “I also asked Mark if he ever kissed Sharon in space.” Nevaya says this experience has inspired her dreams. “My dream is to become an engineer, a designer for the clothes, and an astronaut!” she said. She also enjoyed meals at a space-themed hotel during her trip. Looking back, Nevaya says the adventure changed her life. “I felt awesome. It was exciting before. Now, I am super excited about what types of jobs I could have in space,” she said. From rockets to lifelong friendships, this nine-year-old is reaching for the stars. Nevaya is currently a fourth grader in Bismarck.