Embark on an inspiring 15-minute journey with Nathan Boll as he shares his nontraditional path from Alaska to NASA in this TEDx talk. Discover the resilience and diversity of non-traditional students through Boll's personal story, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of pursuing education outside conventional routes. Gain insights into the unique experiences that shaped his career, from his beginnings in Alaska to his current role as a Space Policy Analyst at NASA Headquarters. Learn about the importance of embracing diverse educational paths and how they can lead to successful careers in fields like space science and policy. This talk, presented at TEDxUniversity of Montana Western, offers a compelling perspective on the value of nontraditional education and its potential to foster innovation and success in the modern world.