A physics failure's story of becoming an astrophysicist leaves Google CEO in awe

An astrophysicist’s inspiring story on her persistence to stick with her subject has led many Twitter users to share their experiences of pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects despite their early academic failures.

The tell-all Twitter trend began when Sarafina Nance, a PhD student, revealed that four years ago she ended up with a zero in her quantum physics exam, following which she met her professor to discuss if she needed to quit physics and change her major.

Nance eventually decided against giving up, and now she is “in a top tier astrophysics PhD program and has published two papers”. She further said that “STEM is hard for everyone—grades don’t mean you’re not good enough to do it.”

Even Google CEO Sundar Pichai was left inspired after hearing the story of how Nance persisted with her degree despite getting a zero in her quantum physics exam in college.

Her account of her academic journey also led many others to share their stories regarding their persistence in pursuing their majors despite getting bad grades initially.

One professor suggested to his student to try interior decorating.

After seeing the responses, one physics teacher thought he may assign the stories being shared on Twitter as homework.