Beyond the Stars: How Juho Kim’s Curiosity Led Him Deeper Into Astronomy

For Juho Kim, an MYP 4 learner at Philippine Cambridge International School, an interest in space began when he was only four years old.

At the time, his dream was simple: he wanted to become an astronaut.

Years later, that childhood fascination has developed into a deeper interest in the questions behind space itself: How did the universe begin? How does it work?

As an MYP 4 learner at PCIS, Juho brought that curiosity to the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition (IAAC) 2026, where he earned a Bronze distinction.

More than a competition result, the experience gave him an opportunity to test his knowledge, encounter astronomy at a deeper level, and discover new areas he wants to explore.

“I have been very interested in space since I was four years old, when my dream was to become an astronaut.”

When the Questions Go Deeper

The IAAC 2026 was Juho’s first experience with this kind of competition, and adjusting to its format and rules became one of his biggest challenges.

His previous exposure to astronomy had mainly come through integrated science. He understood general concepts, but the competition revealed a greater depth to the subject than he had expected.

“The most challenging part was adjusting to the format and rules because it was my first time joining this kind of competition.”

Preparing for the competition meant moving beyond the general concepts he already knew and studying individual topics in greater detail.

“I had only learned astronomy briefly through integrated science, so I was surprised by the depth of the questions.”

The experience showed Juho that being interested in a subject and understanding it deeply are two different things. The competition pushed him to look beyond familiar concepts and approach astronomy with greater preparation and attention to detail.

Astronomy Is More Than Knowing the Stars

One of Juho’s most important realizations came from discovering that astronomy is not simply about remembering facts about planets, stars, or the universe.

It brings together different areas of knowledge and different ways of thinking.

“I learned that astronomy is not only about knowing facts about space. It also requires mathematics, physics, and careful reasoning.”

That realization opened another direction for his curiosity.

After the competition, Juho became more interested in cosmology and relativity, particularly in questions surrounding the origin and development of the universe.

The experience had not simply added more facts to what he knew about space. It changed the kinds of questions he wanted to explore.

From an Astronaut Dream to Bigger Questions

At four, space represented a dream of becoming an astronaut. As an MYP 4 learner at PCIS, that fascination has begun to develop into a more analytical interest in understanding the universe itself.

“This experience made me more interested in the origin and development of the universe, especially cosmology and relativity.”

His Bronze distinction at IAAC 2026 marks one point in that continuing exploration. More importantly, the competition gave him a clearer understanding of what studying astronomy demands and where his curiosity might lead next.

Juho plans to participate in IAAC again, using what he learned from his first experience to prepare more thoroughly.

“I plan to participate in IAAC again and prepare better by using what I learned from this experience.”

The questions that first drew him toward space have become bigger.

What began as a childhood dream of reaching the stars is becoming a desire to understand what lies behind them: how the universe began, how it developed, and what mathematics and physics can reveal about its story.

At PCIS, Juho’s story is one of a learner following a question wherever it leads.

PCIS Stories

A human-centered storytelling series by Philippine Cambridge International School, exploring learning, student experiences, culture, and life in an IB World School in Cavite.