I was raised by a frustrated pilot… My dad always wanted to fly, but due to bad eyesight, he was never able to pursue his passion. We went to air shows, he subscribed to Aviation Week & Space Technology, He retired from working at a defense contractor (shhh… it’s a secret) while working on a… you guessed it, plane.
My first few years of teaching I really tried to get parental approval, just like many people of my generation who were not constantly told they were wonderful, and get participation trophies. I worked at a school and ran the Young Astronauts Club, took yearly trips to the Space and Rocket Center, was named a NASA distinguished Educator (through NEWEST, a long defunct program). I even helped guide my school into a curricular focus on Aerospace. Did it help? Not really.
Recently I finally had the opportunity to visit one of those landmark sites when it comes to aviation, Kill Devil Hill. I was amazed at what Orville and Wilbur put up with that December. We were there just after Christmas. While I still don’t like to fly… I can be in awe of the accomplishment.