An Astronaut Speaks To Hundreds of Kids

But after getting an education, working hard and applying to NASA 11 times- he got hired and was sent to space.

“I just couldn't believe it... It was just the most awesome feeling one could ever have,” said Hernandez.

His message of never giving up on your dream hits home for Martin Chavez who came to the event through Upward Bound, a program that helps under privilege kids. Chavez’s parents migrated from Mexico to the U.S. and work in the field six days a week. They never had the opportunity to get an education but Chavez has big dreams.

“I want to be a politician but my goal is to be the first Latino President of the United States,” said Chavez.

Chavez a senior in high school would be the first in his family to go to college. He's applied to Yale, Harvard, Princeton and Dartmouth and has already heard back from three of those schools for interviews.

“My main reason for getting a higher education is so my parents one day I can buy them their dream house and they can get the things that they never had"

Chavez and hundreds of other kids is why Hernandez tells his story. He wants to inspire kids to never give up on their dream no matter how difficult it may seem.

“Don't be afraid to dream the impossible because if you're willing to get a good education and work hard, anything is possible"

In addition to being an astronaut, Hernandez is also running for Congress for the 10th district.