The Bridge of the Starship Voyager, 2001
"The Space Center Made a Huge Difference in My Life." My Saturday Conversation with a Local Banker
Yesterday, I stopped at my bank's local branch to have a document notarized. I wore my Space Center jacket. The banker walked up to me, told me he was ready to help, and noticed my jacket. "I want you to know that the Space Center was one of my best memories growing up. It made a difference in my life," he said. That began a short conversation about the many reasons, but in the end, it was how it sparked his imagination and made him feel he could do difficult things and succeed. The seriousness in his face as he spoke struck me. He really wanted me to understand what he was saying.
After the document was notarized, the conversation ended with a strong handshake and a heartfelt "thank you". I left the bank and drove to the Space Center to put in a few hours on the Center's volunteering program. I sat down in the staff room, turned on my computer, and felt a renewed desire to make the Space Center the best it can be for this generation of young people and the many who will follow.
Mr. Williamson
My Memories of my First Mission at the Space Center Way Back When, and What it Means to Me Today
Bracken Funk
Director, The Space Place at Renaissance Academy
Teacher, Renaissance Academy
I remember the first time I walked through the doors of the Space Center as a kid. It was for an overnight camp. I wasn't entirely sure what I was getting into, but I knew what it was supposed to be. It was an experience unlike any other, I knew that. All of the 6th graders had been talking about it for quite some time. I waited in anticipation outside the front doors. It was early October, not too bad as far as weather goes; a soft breeze grazed our already excitement-induced neck hairs as we waited, something similar to how Charlie felt outside of the chocolate factory, I'm sure, for the front doors to be opened, and for us to be allowed in.
I stepped through the front doors, and though I knew, consciously, that those were the doors to a school, my imagination took over once inside. I'd always been a Star Trek fan, and because of that, this experience to me was even more exciting than I thought it would be- the hallways of the school became a Federation Starbase. To me, it was real. I suppose I've always been that way, though. Even through the 8th grade, I would play on my trampoline with my lightsaber, yelling at the invisible foe, most of the time playing all of the lead roles in my imaginary play, including the foe. I think I can just create my surroundings the way I want them to be and block out what I don't want to see or hear very well. But that school, the minute I walked through the front doors, really did transform me, and that was just my first visit.
For my first mission, I was put in charge of the Magellan and served as the Chief of Security. I remember well imagining where my security officers were going, and I remember imagining Monty, our chief engineer, as this jovial, fat Aussie, who was a brilliant mind, but not so coordinated. He seemed willing to help, but too busy with engineering problems to get into our business. I felt like I knew him before I left.
I came back many times as a young lad. I came because I loved the idea of being a Federation officer. I came because I loved knowing that I was something bigger than myself while I was there. I came because the staff were fun to be around. In my overzealosity (yes, a newly invented Bracken word- it actually came about while I was flying Greenpeace speaking as the John Talbot impersonator), I was quite annoying, but I had good intentions.
But still, to this day, as a teacher at Renaissance and the director of The Space Place, I can still, in my imagination, walk through those front doors at that old Central Elementary School and still see that Federation Starbase. Those first starships (1990 to 2020) are still real in my memory. I experience that same magic when I walk onto the new Voyager bridge here at Renaissance. I don't know why, but the wonder the Space Center put in a child's mind way back then has grown up with him.
For those of us who work or volunteer at one of the local space centers, remember the magic you felt on your first mission. Remember those feelings and do your best to pass that magic and wonder on to those who visit today because it is YOU who creates it.
Bracken Funk
Emails from Two Teachers on Their Visits to the Space Center
Mr. Williamson,
Thank you very much for the great experience my students from Emerson had last night. Everything about it was perfect for them and they couldn't stop talking about it. I'm sure you find that a lot, but I was just hoping that all of the students would get into it. It was so fun to look around and see all of them very busy and engaged and having a great time. The last time I came to your space center was about 15 years ago, and even though it was about the same idea, this was much better. All of your employees were also very good and helpful.
A great learning experience!
Thanks again,
Margaret A.
Imaginarium Theater
The Week's Best Videos From Around the World Edited for a Gentler Audience