José Hernández’s remarkable life is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Growing up as the son of migrant farm workers in the early 1960s, Hernández faced numerous challenges, including poverty and limited access to education. Despite these obstacles, he defied the odds by becoming a NASA astronaut, a journey chronicled in the Prime Video movie “A Million Miles Away”. The film is a heartwarming and uplifting portrayal of Hernández’s unwavering dedication and determination to achieve his goals.
From a young age, Hernández was fascinated by the Apollo missions, often watching them on TV with awe and admiration. As he grew older, his passion for space travel only intensified, and he worked tirelessly to obtain his advanced education, including a Master’s Degree in Engineering. Although he was rejected by the NASA program an astonishing 11 times, Hernández remained steadfast in his pursuit of his dreams, refusing to give up.
José Hernández (Via José Hernández/Twitter)
It was not until the age of 39 that Hernández finally secured a spot in the program, undergoing rigorous training at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. His hard work and perseverance paid off when he was selected as a mission specialist on the STS-128 mission into space in 2008, becoming the first person to use the Spanish language while in space. Hernández’s story is a shining example of the transformative power of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s dreams. His journey is a reminder that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.
