"Careers Can Be Difficult Journeys; You Need A Passion To Keep You Going When The Going Gets Rough" | Gretchen Elaine Photography Event Photography

Everyday I photograph someone new, I meet a truly amazing people. Some that live in my small home town of Lititz, and others that are completely out of this world! If you haven’t caught on to my puns and the quote title of today’s blog, I wanted to talk a little bit about meeting and photographing former NASA astronaut; Mike Massimino.

I was fortunate enough to connect with BSA Pennsylvania Dutch Council and photographer their events 2019; which was recognizing Henry Gibbel of Lititz for the Distinguished Citizen Award. It was a wonderful evening celebrating the achievement and having the opportunity to hear Henry and Mike speak.

During Mike’s speech about what it was like to be an astronaut and working on the Hubble Telescope, he talked about the passion he had for his job, the team work it took to complete each space walk, and in all honesty, how terrifying it was at times going through all the challenges of an astronaut. It was truly inspiring to hear his account of what his missions were like and the skills he needed and gained as a leader, team member, and a citizen of Earth as he liked to say.

Meeting and photographing such an amazing and inspirational man gives me even more motivation to strive for success in my own passions. I may not be going to space or walk on the moon anytime soon, but I learned that having a deep passion and sharing your gift and talent with others is what matters. Success will come in time; learn from every experience.

Thank you Mike for all the work you have done as a NASA astronaut and all the work you are doing as a professor at Columbia University. You are truly an inspiration to many individuals, and thank you for coming out to speak with everyone at the Distinguished Citizens Award Dinner. It was an amazing opportunity to meet and photograph you!