When former Space Shuttle astronaut Kent Rominger asked the crowd of Magna Elementary students how many want to be astronauts when they grow up, at least three dozen hands shot up into the air.

Kent helped solidify some of those aspirations by describing life on board the International Space Station and the thrill of blasting into orbit. Additionally, he talked about what the students can do to prepare to become astronauts.

You may already guess that math and science proficiencies play a major role in becoming rocketeer, but Kent also emphasised another crucial factor.

“Be a friend,” he said. “Don’t just think about yourself, think about what’s best for the classroom.”

Click here to read Kent’s personal letter he sent to Magna Elementary students.