José Hernández spoke at MCC Distinguished Speakers series.
MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas — Former NASA astronaut Dr. José M. Hernández spoke to a packed crowd at McLennan Community College, describing his inspirational journey from farmworker in California to becoming a NASA astronaut.
Hernández’s journey inspired the making of the 2023 film, “A Million Miles Away,” which is available on Amazon Prime.
Hernández grew up in Stockton, California, but his family is from Mexico. He began working as a migrant farmworker under the California sun with his family before attending college, and ultimately becoming an engineer and astronaut.
“It’s that grit and can-do attitude. I always tell people you are going to fail at things you do in life. That’s natural. The defining moment is what did you do after that failure? Are you going to learn from it? Are you going to prepare yourself even more so that when you try again, you are better prepared? said Hernández.
The California native experienced multiple rejections from NASA, but refused to be discouraged. After 11 attempts, Hernández was selected to join the Space Shuttle Discovery as a mission specialist.
“It took me 37 years after that dream was conceived to fly to space but I made it,” he said.
Hernández has written several books, including an autobiography, “Reaching for the Stars” and a children’s adaptation, “The Boy Who Touched the Stars”.
“We know students face challenges, and we hope that José Hernández’s journey will inspire them to pursue their dreams and never give up, no matter the obstacles,” McLennan Community College President Dr. Johnette McKown said.
His mission aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery also inspired 4th grader Javier Chavez who also dreams of becoming an astronaut.
“It really inspired me because he was harvesting until he became famous and he finally got his dream job,” said Chavez.
Hernández worked at NASA Johnson Space Center from 2001 to 2011, serving as an astronaut, legislative analyst, branch chief and materials research engineer. Prior to NASA, he contributed to the X-ray laser project at Lawrence Livermore National Library and co-developed the first full-field digital mammography system for early breast cancer detection.
The ex-astronaut currently works as a consultant within the aerospace engineering industry, operating as Tierra Luna Engineering, LLC. Additionally, he serves as a University of California Regent, president and chief.
Hernández earned a Master’s of Science in Signals and Systems Engineering from University of California and a Bachelor’s Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Pacific, and achieved honorary distinctions with nine Doctorate Degrees, honoris causa.
The McLennan DLS is designed to enrich the cultural experience for MCC students and the community by offering opportunities to hear from experts in politics, science, literature and popular culture.