Dr Don Thomas, an Astronaut from the US visited school kids in South Africa to inspire them to follow their dreams and pursue maths and science.
We all know at least one person who said they wanted to be an astronaut when they grow up. In South Africa, this may seem like an impossible dream but that simply isn’t true! Anyone can do anything if they set their mind to it and work hard.
Living Maths, a STEM-based NGO, has brought Dr Thomas to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban for the Space Tour 2017 from 30 October to 9 November. Dr Thomas is an Astronaut from the US who has logged over 1040 hours of adventuring in space.
The phenomenal Astronaut is one of only 550 humans to have had the opportunity to fly in space.
“Our mission is to inspire and excite South African children about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Space is undoubtedly one of those key topics that can ignite a lifelong passion for these subjects. How many of us actually get the opportunity to meet a real astronaut? For some, it’s a dream come true! The Space Tour will be a rare and special opportunity for the daydreamers, the Imagineers, the scientists and the curious in our country to learn more and be inspired.” – Steve Sherman, Chief Imagination Officer at Living Maths
Dr Thomas came to inspire the youth of South Africa to pursue the STEM subjects and to work hard to become the person of their dreams. He hopes his talks will inspire future generations to pursue greatness and maybe even land on Mars.
“I feel a sense of responsibility to share what I have seen and experienced with others. I have completed 692 orbits of the Earth and have seen first-hand the beauty and fragility of our planet, and I think it is important to share important lessons with my fellow citizens of Planet Earth.”
“And secondly, I am keenly interested in having humans set foot on Mars in the future. I know I am too old myself to undertake a mission to Mars twenty years from now, but I hope I can excite and inspire your young learners to follow in my footsteps and perhaps, become future Mars explorers.” – Dr Don Thomas
Dr Thomas only went into space when he was 39, proving that dreams never die and hard work pays off in the end. On his tour, Dr Thomas will be sharing some of the pictures he has taken on various trips to space, he even has a stunning picture of South Africa from space.
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