“To the Moon and Pack Again”: Christina Koch inspires packed NC State students in Raleigh
RALEIGH, N.C. —
NC State University welcomed astronaut and alumna Christina Koch back to campus Monday for a “To the Moon and Pack Again” homecoming celebration.
Students packed the event to hear from Koch, whose career has included the longest recorded spaceflight by a woman, participation in the first all-female spacewalk and a trip to the moon.
Before becoming an astronaut, Koch earned three degrees from NC State.
During the homecoming, Koch shared stories about her time at NC State and the role the university played in her career.
The university also honored Koch by naming an engineering building after her.
Koch said being viewed as a role model can feel overwhelming, but she hopes to encourage others pursuing ambitious goals.
“It is to just look at people that might be looking up to me, to tell them I see them, to tell them that their dream matters and that they can do it,” Koch said.
The celebration included music from the university’s pep band and drew students who arrived hours early for a chance to see Koch.
TRENDING