Reaching for the Stars!

Jose Hernandez, the child of migrant workers, is still reaching for the stars! He is one of seven astronauts blasting off on the space shuttle and headed for the International Space Station. (Click here to follow Jose and the other astronauts on STS-128) Jose’s story is not the story of the typical astronaut. He and his parents were migrant workers, picking fruits and vegetables. His parents, who had only a third grade education, knew the secret to Jose's success was getting the education they never had. They not only listened to his dreams, and encouraged him to pursue the dream, they became a part of the dream, scraping together the money help him go to college and get an engineering degree! (Click here to view Jose’s story on Good Morning America) For eight years, Jose has worked strapping in other astronauts. Now it is his turn to be what he always dreamed; an astronaut!

As our company, The Engage Institute, travels around the country helping educators create more effective partnerships with families, and helping families learn how they can help their children achieve their greatest potential, we have the opportunity to celebrate success with families like Jose’s -families who have learned that one of the keys to creating high performing kids is talking to their children often about their hopes and dreams, and helping them plan and prepare to make those dreams come true.

As the shuttle blasts off with Jose Hernandez on board, we are all celebrating with Jose's family for what they have accomplished! Tell your child about Jose’s dream and his journey. Let his story help your child see that ANYTHING is possible. And then ask your child what his or her dream is – and help your child reach for the stars too! (Click here to follow Jose Hernandez’s journey on Twitter)