Anderson, who considers Ashland, Neb. his hometown, spent 152 days on the International Space Station as a flight engineer on Expedition 15 from June through November in 2007. Since joining NASA in 1983, Anderson has more than 18 extra-vehicular activity hours, which is work completed by an astronaut away from Earth.
One question that students had on their minds during Anderson's presentation was what pushed him and motivated him to become an astronaut. Though he said he has no recollection of the discussions until he was eight years old, Anderson said he had conversations with his mother about becoming an astronaut when he was five years old.
"It's not too early to start thinking about what you want to do when you grow up," Anderson said. "When I was your age, I decided I wanted to be an astronaut."
Growing up in small town, he said he had luck on his side, as well as the strong support of friends, family and teachers.
"That's one of the advantages of growing up in the Midwest and small towns in Iowa," he said. "Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something because all it takes is a little bit of effort from you and hard work to be whatever you want to be and I'm living proof of that."
From questions about space suits, to the types of food that the astronauts ate aboard the space station, students were eager to learn about Anderson's travels beyond the Earth.
Being so far away from home, one student wondered how Anderson was able to communicate with his family and friends while he was in space.
"Typically, I could send e-mail twice a day," he said.
Anderson said e-mail was the predominant medium used for communication due to nearby satellites being able to relay messages to Earth. There were also phones that could be used on the International Space Station, as long as a satellite signal was available. Every weekend, Anderson would hold video conferences from the space station to talk to his family back home.
Being an astronaut is a job filled with many tasks and assignments, and one student asked Anderson about his favorite aspect of his job.
"Getting to come and talk to kids like you is one of my favorite things about my job," he said.
Aside from taking joy in giving presentations at schools, Anderson said he enjoys the fact that his job is never the same, with something different each day. From five months in space, to sitting in class, to scuba diving in a swimming pool used to train astronauts for space walks all the way to getting on an airplane and arriving in Boone, Anderson said there is always something new and exciting to look forward to.
"Flying in space is really cool, it's just a very small part," he said. "I think one of the neatest things for me is the ability to have a very exciting work week."
For some children, becoming an astronaut is a childhood dream. In fact, it was a dream of Anderson's. However, it took a great deal of hard work and education to work for NASA.
After graduating from Ashland-Greenwood High School in 1997, Anderson went on to graduate with cum laude distinction, earning a bachelor's of science degree in physics from Hastings College in Hastings, Neb. in 1981. In 1983, he earned a master's of science degree in aerospace engineering from Iowa State University.
"You guys need to study hard in school. You need to study science and math," Anderson told the students. "You don't have get A's all of the time, you just have to get decent grades. It takes hard work and you have to be willing to put in some work."
Though students may sometimes disagree with the tasks that their parents or teachers want them to complete, Anderson said students must realize that parents and teachers are simply trying to prepare them for their futures.
"Whenever you come to school, try to do your best," he said. "Your teachers and parents, no matter what you think right now they're pretty smart people and they have the best interest at heart - they want you to grow up to be great contributors to society."
Anderson is set to return to space in February 2010. He is assigned to be a crew member of STS-131. During the mission, he will deliver research and science experiment equipment, a new sleeping area and supplies to the International Space Station.
Anderson left students with an important message, telling them that even if they wish to become an astronaut like he did as a child, the sky is the limit with commitment and preparation.
"You can be anything you want to be. It takes hard work, it takes a little dedication and it takes some luck in timing," Anderson said. "But you got to put yourself in a position so that when the door of opportunity presents itself, you're ready to take advantage of it."
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