Reaching for the Stars: NASA Inspires California Students
Edwards, California – Imagine working on projects that push the boundaries of human flight, contributing to innovations that could change the future. For students in Southern California, this dream became a reality during a special event hosted by NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in celebration of National Aviation History Month.
Students had the incredible opportunity to connect with NASA experts, learning firsthand about the center’s role in shaping aviation history and its cutting-edge research. The day wasn’t just about rockets and airplanes, though. It was about showing young minds the diverse opportunities available within NASA, encouraging them to chase their passions and consider careers in STEM fields.
"I never, in my wildest dreams thought I had the opportunity to work for someplace like NASA,” shared Brad Flick, Center Director at NASA Armstrong. “I’ve been here for almost 40 years and at a little part of NASA that most people don’t know exists right? Which is really cool that we’re tying this to aviation history month, because this is one of the places where aviation history has been made, is being made and will continue to be made.”
Flick, who grew up in a small town, emphasized the importance of STEAM programs, urging students to embrace curiosity and ask questions. His journey, a testament to the power of dedication and hard work, resonated with the young audience.
A panel of experts, including Laurie Grindle, Troy Asher, Nicki Reid, and Julio Trevino, offered personal insights into their career paths. Nicki Reid, a leading operations engineer, shared her initial struggles with math and science, highlighting how perseverance and internships eventually opened doors at NASA. "It was a really cool experience because it gives you a chance to decide whether or not you like the job and I got to learn from different people every summer," Reid explained.
Laurie Grindle, whose childhood dream was to become an astronaut, found fulfillment in connecting with her passion for aviation and space through other avenues at NASA. "I had a lot of different opportunities working in different roles,” she said. "I had fun while doing it and did a job I really enjoyed that made it not like work.”
For Troy Asher, the journey to becoming a pilot was driven by an unwavering commitment. “I remember sitting in the back seat of the airplane, looking out and thinking, ‘I love this. I’m doing this forever,’” Asher recalled. “But it took me five or six years before I had that moment, and it was the commitment the kept me going.”
Beyond the inspiring stories, students received a rare glimpse into the bustling world of NASA Armstrong. They explored the model lab, peeked into the life support office, and even got a firsthand look at the control room.
Shauna Tinich, a seventh-grade teacher at Tropico Middle School, couldn’t have been more excited about the educational impact. "This was a wonderful opportunity for my seventh-grade students to learn more about careers and career paths in NASA," she said. "They were surprised that people other than astronauts and rocket scientists work for NASA, and this excited many of my students.”
This event, supported by NASA’s California Office of STEM Engagement and Next Gen STEM, underlines the agency’s commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators. You can learn more about NASA’s educational resources and opportunities at www.nasa.gov/learning-resources.
