In a remarkable event celebrating National Aviation History Month, students from Southern California had the unique opportunity to engage with experts from NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. Hosted by NASA’s California Office of STEM Engagement on November 6, both virtual and in-person modalities ensured widespread accessibility, igniting excitement among middle school students eager to explore the realm of aviation and space.

The event began with an inspiring address from Brad Flick, Director of NASA Armstrong Center. Flick detailed his journey from growing up in a small town to becoming a key player at NASA. “I never dreamt that I would work at a place like NASA,” said Flick, who has dedicated almost four decades to the agency. He highlighted the significance of the center in shaping aviation history, emphasizing that innovation continues to thrive there today. Flick encouraged students to embrace STEAM education—melding the arts with science, technology, engineering, and math—as a vital step toward their future careers.

A diverse panel of NASA professionals added to the inspirational atmosphere, sharing their personal stories to motivate the next generation. Among them was Nicki Reid, lead operations engineer, who opened up about her early struggles with math and science. Despite these challenges, she pursued an engineering degree and secured internships that eventually paved her way to NASA. “Those internships were invaluable experiences that allowed me to explore different aspects of the job,” Reid reflected, inspiring students to persist in their own educational journeys.

Laurie Grindle, Deputy Center Director, shared her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut. Although that path diverged, her passion for aviation led her to multiple exciting roles at NASA, where she combined enjoyment with her work. “I had numerous opportunities that made my time here feel less like a job and more like an adventure,” Grindle stated, underlining the importance of pursuing what you love.

Similarly, Troy Asher, the Director of Flight Operations, shared his determination to become a pilot, recalling how his love for flight fueled his long journey of commitment. “Sitting in the back of an airplane as a kid, I thought, ‘This is what I want to do forever,’” Asher recounted, reinforcing that perseverance can lead to fulfilling careers.

Beyond personal narratives, students enjoyed a guided tour of the Armstrong Center. They explored various facilities, including a model lab, life support office, and control room, allowing them to witness firsthand the innovative work that drives NASA’s research.

Tropico Middle School teacher Shauna Tinich expressed her gratitude for the event, stating, “This was a wonderful opportunity for my seventh-grade students to learn about careers in NASA. Many were surprised to discover that there are roles beyond astronauts and rocket scientists, sparking excitement and curiosity in them.”

With stories of resilience and passion, NASA continues to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars—literally and figuratively. As these students embark on their educational journeys, they carry with them the invaluable lessons of perseverance and the endless possibilities that await in the world of science and technology.