We are a nation of dreamers. And dreams lead to great achievements, from flying the first airplane to sending the first men to the moon. It is vital that our kids continue to dream and believe they can achieve great things.
Attending the Lunch With an Astronaut program at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex renewed my faith that kids still dream.
Our lunch began with a classic baked chicken buffet, but left the ordinary when astronaut Scott E. Parazynski M.D. was introduced. He is a medical doctor, astronaut, pilot, and has climbed Mount Everest. His full biography is exhausting to read!
After providing a brief overview of his space shuttle missions, he opened the floor to questions. In a room full of kids, the hands shot up instantly. What surprised me were the questions themselves. Clearly, these kids had thought about what space flight would be like, and what it would take to become astronauts themselves. Their questions were intelligent and provoking.
Dr. Parazynski emphasized that goal setting and perseverance made his dreams a reality. “The voices in your head telling you to turn back--you have to work against those.” He shared regarding summiting Mt. Everest. He advised setting manageable intermediate goals as steps to larger ones to build confidence.
I can’t help but believe that one or several of the children in that room will go on to do great things, and perhaps Dr. Parazynski ‘s words will echo in their head when they want to give up.
Although the entire Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was fascinating, the lunch program left a huge impression on me. I saw both ends of a dream, the dreamer who has achieved, and the next generation who will lead us forward to great things.
The Lunch with an Astronaut program at Kennedy Space Center is a separate ticket, and space is limited, so buy your tickets early. For speaker schedules, and to make reservations, check the Space Center website.
Disclosure: The Space Center Visitor Complex provided me with complementary admission and lunch.
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