I have met many astronauts who walked on the Moon or circled Earth on board space vehicles , because of other people ’ s dreams . My dreams will never end .
Today I am privileged to work as a volunteer for NASA ’ s Jet Propulsion Lab ( JPL ) as a solar system ambassador . I get to share astronauts ’ wonderful experiences and the magic of discovery while looking into the night sky with students . There is awe on their faces and often a “ WOW ” when someone realizes the light from the Orion Nebula , entering their eye through my telescope , left Orion 1500 years ago . That is energizing , just as sharing your dreams with others is energizing . Try it .
Girls and boys , you may have a future dream for your life . That dream might be to become a schoolteacher , a musician , an artist , a doctor , an astronaut , or a galaxy of other possibilities .
Whatever that dream is , it is yours if you want it enough . You are in a place right now where dreams come to life — a classroom where you are given the gift of knowledge because of the dedication of your teachers .
I know , because at one time , I too sat at a school desk not much different than what you use , while my teachers shared their gift of knowledge with me — a gift I still use daily .
SPRING 2025 — ISSUE NO . 10 11