School, work, and life advice from an astronaut
NASA's Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman sits down with Backrs students to share hard-won wisdom on how to make your aspirations a reality.
Reid Wiseman reflects on his high school struggles
Reid Wiseman reflects on a quiet, undersized high school experience marked by self-doubt, and shares a moving moment at his 30th reunion when a former bully sought him out to apologize—a reminder that everyone carries their struggles differently.
Turning college rejection into career success
After being rejected from his top college choice, Reid Wiseman enrolled at RPI, embraced the challenge of its demanding engineering program, and gained the technical knowledge, marketable degree, and resilience that fueled his rise to NASA commander.
Reid Wiseman on going off to college
Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman reassures students that even astronauts get homesick, encouraging them to take college one day at a time and not let the fear of leaving home hold them back from their aspirations.
What do NASA commanders study in college?
Reid Wiseman explains how pursuing rigorous degrees in computer and systems engineering gave him the problem-solving skills and career flexibility that ultimately launched him all the way to NASA commander.
How this NASA commander tackles big life decisions
Faced with a choice between Top Gun and test pilot school, Reid Wiseman made his decision by asking which path he'd regret not taking--a "regret minimization" mindset he says he still uses to navigate big life decisions today.
Inside Reid Wiseman's first trip to space
Reid Wiseman describes his first moments in space as a whirlwind of exhilaration, physical discomfort, and overwhelming awe — culminating in a view of Earth so breathtaking he had to grab a pencil and start writing down the colors he saw out the window.
What this NASA Commander looks for in collaborators
Reid Wiseman values collaborators who think differently than he does, pointing to crewmate Christina Koch whose engineering-driven approach to problem-solving consistently offers a perspective that complements his own as a pilot.
An astronaut's take on a fulfilling life
Reid Wiseman's core advice is simple: share your gifts—because whether it's inspiring students, helping others, or solving hard problems, the moments when we contribute what we're uniquely good at are what create true joy and meaning for ourselves.