NASA Astronaut Victor Glover Speaks to 600 CUSD Scholars
Media Release
February 21, 2025
NASA astronaut Victor Glover addressed more than 600 CUSD scholars, principals, teachers, and staff recently in the monthly Black Student Achievement Virtual Career Day, providing direct access to leading Black professionals in high-interest fields. The event aimed to inspire students to excel in school and pursue their career aspirations.
Glover is a U.S. Navy captain and the pilot of the upcoming Artemis II mission, which will make him the first Black man to orbit the Moon. He shared his journey, emphasizing that success is not predetermined, and that any student can achieve their dreams with dedication and perseverance. He encouraged students to believe in their future goals, even if they cannot see them yet.
Glover also stressed the importance of understanding math, explaining how it plays a crucial role in problem-solving and decision-making, both in space exploration and everyday life. He credited a teacher, Mr. Hargrove, for inspiring his passion for math and motivating him to work harder in the subject.
He also shared insights into his training, life aboard the International Space Station, and preparations to fly the Orion spaceship. Students learned about space travel, astronaut training, and the technology behind space survival, including spacesuits and rehydrated food.
His journey serves as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating the importance of education, perseverance, and representation in STEM fields. Ending on an inspiring note, Glover highlighted that humans have been in space every day since 2000 and expressed hope for younger students to have the opportunity to go to space in the future.