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April 23, 2025 - Students at Grand Mountain School had an out-of-this-world experience today with a special visit from retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and NASA astronaut Duane "Digger" Carey. The assembly provided a unique opportunity for students to hear firsthand about the wonders of space travel and the importance of STEM education.

Mr. Carey's impressive background includes a degree in Aerospace Engineering, over 22 years of service in the Air Force where he piloted more than 35 different aircraft, and his pivotal role as the pilot of the Space Shuttle Columbia's mission to the Hubble Space Telescope in 2002. During his nearly 11 days in space, he circled the Earth an astounding 165 times, traveling over 3.9 million miles. He later served at Houston Mission Control, including during the challenging time of the Columbia Space Shuttle disaster.

Since 2004, Mr. Carey has dedicated his time to sharing his incredible journey and inspiring young minds to explore the universe through the power of math and science.

Addressing the eager students, Mr. Carey offered fascinating insights into the practicalities of life in space, from sleeping and eating in zero gravity to the crucial role of exercise. He also highlighted the diverse range of careers available at NASA and emphasized a critical message: the importance of mathematics. Sharing his own experience of failing 9th-grade math, he passionately encouraged students to persevere, stating that math is the one subject to focus on if they aspire to become an astronaut, even if perfection isn't the goal.

The students, representing all grade levels, were given the chance to ask Mr. Carey one question each, leading to some engaging exchanges:

A 4th-grade student inquired about the different kinds of jobs on a spaceship. Mr. Carey explained that beyond pilots and astronauts, there are engineers (including robotic engineers) and even logistics roles, jokingly referring to "janitor duties."

A curious 5th-grader asked about his parents' reaction to his career path. Mr. Carey shared that it was initially very difficult for them, revealing that his mother lost 30 pounds due to the stress. However, their fear eventually turned into immense pride.

A 6th-grade student wondered how astronauts cope with potentially bad food in space. Mr. Carey assured them that the food wasn't bad at all. Before a mission, astronauts get to sample around 100 different food options and only the ones they like are taken into space.

A thoughtful 7th-grade student posed the age-old question: "Is the Earth round or flat?" Mr. Carey responded by looking directly at the student and asking, "Have I told any lies today?" He then shared his firsthand experience of viewing Earth from about 320 miles above, emphatically stating that it is not just round, but a sphere – "the most beautiful beach ball" he had ever seen.

Mr. Carey's visit left a lasting impression on the students of Grand Mountain School, sparking curiosity about space exploration and reinforcing the vital role of STEM subjects in achieving their dreams. His personal anecdotes and inspiring message served as a powerful reminder that with dedication and perseverance, even seemingly insurmountable goals are within reach.