Aspiring astronaut to inspire school children

Photo by the Sir Peter Blake Trust.
Photo by the Sir Peter Blake Trust.
An aspiring New Zealand astronaut is set to enthral Queenstown pupils today.

Dr Karen Willcox will speak to Wakatipu High School pupils as a member of the Sir Peter Blake Trust ''Dream Team,'' of high-profile New Zealanders, an initiative to encourage New Zealand young people to dream big.

Dr Willcox, a New Zealander, is a department co-director at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States, and is involved in globally significant research and teaching, in the field of aeronautics and astronautics. She will speak to the pupils on the topics of goal-setting, determination, and drive to achieve their dreams.

During the talk she will discuss her experiences, her successes and the lessons learnt from her career.

Dr Willcox's address is part of a ''dare dream do'' initiative, led by New Zealand

Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae, which aims to inspire youth during the Sir Peter Blake Trust Leadership Week.

Dr Willcox is joined on the 300-strong dream team by other high-profile New Zealanders including scientists, politicians, athletes and business people.

Sir Peter Blake Trust chief executive officer Shelly Campbell said the size of the dream team meant more than 10,000 pupils would be given the chance to be inspired by

leaders.

The Leadership Week began yesterday and runs until next Friday, July 12, Red Socks Day, which celebrates and marks Sir Peter Blake's life.

- Leith Huffadine

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