Connecting my piece of the puzzle...

I use a program as part of my reading instruction that is made up of several passages that my students read repeatedly to aid in their fluency development. One of these passages examines Sputnik, another the Mir Space Station. Working on these with one of my high school students was my first exposure to the "Space Race", which occurred in the 1950's between Russia and the United States. It struck me as ridiculous the fact that two parties with the same important goal would compete this way, and in such a suspicious manner, instead of collaborating.

But, when I visited the Kennedy Space Center, I learned all about the International Space Station in orbit now since 1998. An orbiting laboratory created and used by 15 countries to perform experiments on life in space, as well as life on Earth. Experiments that could help treat diseases and promote our existence on other planets. The ISS is like this giant puzzle, formed by painstakingly connecting different modules built by different countries. It is constantly manned by scientists from all involved parts of the world. Working together. When I watched the movie, Space Station, it amazed me that 1, people are capable of such accomplishments, 2, people can be so skilled as to put these pieces together in such a precise and difficult way, and 3, that 15- fifteen!- countries could work together on so many different tasks successfully.

It made me want to laugh at the fact that our country can't put together a program on healthcare. Here these scientists are- they don't speak the same language, they live completely different lives- yet they can gather around their joint passion and do this most detailed important work side-by-side and do so in the most accurate definition of perfection. Insane. But, God, it made me proud. There have been few moments in my life where I have felt proud to be an American, but hearing about that Space Station, I was overwhelmed. To see us working with other countries for the united benefit of mankind, and not letting stupid little differences get in the way was remarkable. Upon leaving the theater, both my husband and I were fully speechless.

Now, I see the ISS as this huge metaphor for life. A constant reminder floating overhead of the importance of working together. All parts united for the benefit of one- humankind. What an important and inspiring example.



I highly highly highly recommend viewing the movie, Space Station. It is available on Netflix, as well as for sale on amazon.com. It is just astounding to see what goes on outside our tiny little view of the world.