Former NASA astronaut Jim Newman visits Salinas

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Former NASA astronaut James Newman encouraged kids and teenagers to pursue their dreams and be persistent during the 18th annual STEAM Family Science Day that took place at Hartnell College on Saturday.

Newman has been in four shuttle missions to space. He shared his experience and answered questions about how is it to be in space.

Newman said astronauts exercise so they can walk normally back on Earth. He also spoke on what it takes to be an astronaut.

“Like many things it takes persistence", Newman said, "I dedicated myself to that for many years. I didn’t get it in my first attempt either, in fact, I didn’t get it on my second or third attempt. It took four tries in six years of applying to finally get in."

Many children at the event said they hope to become astronauts. Adults also had a lot of questions for the guest.

“We went to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and so we found out that there was an astronaut coming," Regina said. She is a teacher who lives in Salinas. "We were just very interested in talking to somebody who actually had been in space. We had a great time," she said.

Newman talked to them about his experience working for the NASA and going beyond Earth. He also had a powerful message for kids: to take care of the earth, our home.