Former NASA astronaut visits Fresno City College

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A former NASA astronaut urged Fresno City College students to reach for the stars as they consider their careers. Winston Scott flew on two space shuttle missions.

Thursday, at Fresno City College he offered a fascinating look at his adventures in space. For Scott the chance to see the earth from space is a life-changing event.

"You're no longer on it," said Scott. "You can see the boundary and you realize how fragile the earth is."

The former NASA astronaut flew on the shuttle Endeavor in 1996 and the shuttle Columbia in 1997 and went on several spacewalks to make repairs.

Scott said, "You're actually outside in your suit so you're a spaceship yourself and you're orbiting the earth at close to 18,000 miles an hour so what it feels like, how things look is just incredible."

Scott enthralled the audience at Fresno City College. This former naval aviator came to inspire young people to prepare and persevere. He said, "I want kids to understand how exciting a career in science, technology, engineering and math can be and that there many, many ways to fulfill those careers."

Scott's photos and videos gave people insights into his missions. And a photo of Winston returning to the shuttle has been seen around the globe.

"A friend of mine visiting the museum of science in London, England brought back a selfie with a 12 foot mural. Guess who was on the mural?"

This is a special trip because Scott will also get a chance to see his son at Lemoore naval air station. Commander Winston Scott II is an F-18 fighter pilot assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan.