Jacob is a recent high school graduate with his sights set on the stars – literally.

This fall, he begins his aerospace engineering program at the University of California, Merced, with a goal to pursue graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology. Ultimately, he hopes to work for NASA.

“I just love building things, figuring out how they work,” says Jacob, who is living with achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. Whether it’s exploring 3D printing or designing aerospace concepts, his curiosity and quiet determination make his goals feel well within reach.

BioMarin’s Making Space series recognizes individuals like Jacob, featuring stories of people living with skeletal conditions, caregivers and advocates demonstrating how their lived experiences and perspectives shape what they prioritize in their daily lives.

Jacob’s path has been shaped by incredible resilience that has helped enable him to stay focused his goals and remain hopeful in the face of difficult situations. He has undergone nearly 40 surgeries, but says he doesn’t want that to define him.

“I’ve never lived with doubt in myself. If something looks impossible, that just means I need to work harder,” Jacob says. “Honestly, with all I’ve been through all my surgeries, being in the hospital – going through those struggles makes me want to be there for other people.”

Behind Jacob’s poise and positivity is a circle of people who have helped him imagine what’s possible and keep moving toward it. At the heart of that support system is his family, whose belief in Jacob has helped shape the next chapter of his story.

Family at the Heart

Jacob credits his parents, teachers, mentors and friends for helping open doors to opportunity. His grandmother, Annette, has also been in his corner at every turn.

“I hope people notice Jacob’s smile, intelligence, and confidence before they notice his height,” Annette says. A nurse practitioner by training, she has watched Jacob tackle challenges with quiet courage. “He’s thoughtful, funny, and genuinely curious. I want people to see the remarkable young man he is before the condition he was born with.”

For Annette, everyday moments – watching Jacob prepare for class, hearing his excitement about engineering – are reminders of his drive. This year has carried its share of joy and sorrow: celebrating Jacob’s high school graduation while grieving the death of her husband, Ken. Still, cheering Jacob on as he steps into this new chapter has helped Annette hold onto hope, and find a new sense of purpose.

That renewed aim inspired her to write Jacob’s Big Dream, a children’s book rooted in his story. Jacob’s Big Dream is a heartfelt story inspired by Annette’s experience watching her grandson learn that courage, determination and self-belief can help people overcome life’s biggest challenges.

“I wanted to remind every child that their biggest dream deserves to be pursued, and every adult has the opportunity to help make space for it,” she says. “Dreams don’t grow because life is easy. They grow because someone believes in you until you believe in yourself.”

Jacob notes he was initially hesitant to be featured in the book, but came around to the power of sharing his story with the world.

“After reading the book, I realized my experience could help others navigate their own challenges, and that helped me see how important it was to be part of this endeavor,” he says.

Jacob’s family influence also carried into Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), a high school program sponsored by the U.S. Armed Forces that teaches citizenship, leadership and personal responsibility. Inspired by his great-grandfather, a military veteran and one of his biggest influences, Jacob found in JROTC a way to experience military values even though his diagnosis prevented him from enlisting. The program also continued a family tradition, with his father and siblings having participated before him, and gave Jacob a strong sense of belonging.

“It was definitely a positive experience,” Jacob says. “It was like having a second family at school.”

Looking Ahead

Jacob is focused on what comes next. He hopes his time at UC Merced will sharpen his skills in aerospace engineering and open doors for advanced research. Graduate school, leading-edge design projects and collaborations that push the boundaries of science are all on his horizon.

And even with goals that stretch beyond Earth, Jacob is clear about something closer to home – he wants to use his journey to encourage others.

“Basically, instead of asking, ‘How are you able to do this?’ ask, ‘What is your why for doing this?’ Because everyone has one,” he says.

For Jacob, that “why” is simple – curiosity, perseverance and the belief that no challenge should close the door on possibility.