Maria Hinojosa talks with Jose Hernandez

As the child of poor migrant workers, José Hernández worked picking fruits and vegetables in the sun-drenched fields of California. One day while hoeing a row of sugar beets he listened to a transistor radio and learned that fellow Latino Franklin Chang-Díaz had been selected for the Astronaut Corps. At that very moment he promised himself that he was going to do everything in his power to become a NASA astronaut. He later attended the University of the Pacific and UC Santa Barbara — and pursued jobs that opened doors for him. In 2004, after 12 years of applying, he was selected as a NASA astronaut candidate. Five years later Hernández's dream came true when he rocketed into space as a crew member of the 128th shuttle mission and the 30th mission to the International Space Station. Today, with his foundation Reaching for the Stars, he inspires thousands of children around the world to follow their dreams. In this interview, Hernández talks with María Hinojosa about his long journey from the dusty fields of California to the International Space Station.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• wgbh
• Maria Hinojosa
• Space Station
• Nasa