Hey, Mr. Spaceman!

June 30, 2009 08:35 pm

— By Michael Kormos
Daily Sun

Teenagers from around the state are experiencing an all-day academy this week which includes field trips and hands-on classes. The second annual Math, Science and Technology Academy directed by Navarro College biology instructor Lisa Dillman began Monday at Navarro College.
Some of the trips planned for the summer academy include touring local businesses like Firestone, Corsicana Technologies, Navarro Regional Hospital, and the Athens Fish Hatchery. Col. William Pailes, a local retired astronaut and Air Force veteran, is also participating, along with experienced instructors. Classes include a variety of lab experiences, such as parasitological, chemistry-related, and in I-Pod casting.
“This is our second summer to do the camp,” Dillman said. “This year we received a grant from Firestone to help with funding; the students only had to pay a reasonable registration fee.” Included in the fee were lunch, snacks, T-shirts and other surprises.
Pailes instructed a class on astronomy and space travel. Pailes, who is also the instructor for Junior ROTC at Corsicana High School, explained solar systems, planets, nuclear fusion of the sun and why Pluto is no longer considered a planet.
Pailes, who was a crew member of the space shuttle Atlantis in the 1980s, explained what it was like in space and said, “Liftoff is absolutely terrific, like the best amusement park ride in the world.”
“In orbit it is 72 degrees Fahrenheit and weightlessness doesn’t take long to get used to, it’s fun,” Pailes said. “Looking at the Earth from space, you can see geographic features, manmade objects and stars; it is awesome. Re-entry is as smooth as an airplane landing.”
Pailes not only spoke of space travel but also of his personal experience in working his way up to astronaut.
“I didn’t plan this, I watched the moon landing and space walks as a child and never thought I would be an astronaut,” Pailes said. “I worked hard in high school and college and the Air Force sent me to graduate school so I made the most of my opportunities.”
When asked of the experience Pailes replied, “Overall it was a great experience, I was up there for four days and trained for three years. Was it worth it? It depends on if you like what you are doing on the ground.”
Pailes also gave advice for the future. He told students that the decisions they make between 16 to 26 will alter much of their lives. He also mentioned that intelligence, good looks and material goods are things that are given to students and they should not think they are better than those who aren’t given as much; true success comes through earned achievement. He ended by pointing out that “struggle adds to strength of character.”
When asked about the presentation given by Pailes, 13-year-old Sarah Updegrove said, “He gave a lot of information. He showed us a lot of pictures, he had 120 slides.”
Krystal Cofer, 13, said, “I really liked it, he has inspired my sister at the high school.”
Wednesday’s activities included a tour of the Firestone plant as well as Corsicana Technologies and a GPS scavenger hunt. Activities scheduled for Thursday will be a field trip to the Athens Fish Hatchery.

Michael Kormos may be reached via e-mail at mkormos@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Sound Off” on this story? E-mail soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com.

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