'I Just Feel So Grateful To Be Doing This': Astronaut Returns To LI

GARDEN CITY, NY — The next generation of astronauts met a hometown hero.

Students gathered at the Cradle of Aviation Museum to learn from Baldwin native Jasmine Moghbeli, an astronaut who was commander of NASA's SpaceX Crew-7 mission in August 2023, and successfully docked with the International Space Station.

Moghbeli, a U.S. Marine Corps test pilot, has completed over 150 combat missions.

But, participating in the "Inspiring Future Leaders in Air and Space" event is equally meaningful to her.

"Seeing how excited they are gets me excited," Moghbeli told Patch. "I just feel so grateful to be doing this and having made it to this point."

Moghbeli shared her experiences with the students, such as how she made the decision early on to become an astronaut. She talked about her unique memories of being in space and what NASA's space program could look like as they potentially pursue that path.

"But I honestly think the most important piece is just any bit of connection where they can see themselves and say, 'If she can do that, I can do that too.' I love that part of it," she said.

The museum brought in elementary school students from Long Island to meet Moghbeli.

"I was in sixth grade. Since that point, I have always said, 'I want to be an astronaut,'" Moghbeli recalled about her upbringing at Lenox Elementary School in Baldwin.

Her book report about cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova lit the spark like the rocket she would eventually command. Moghbeli enjoys her time with students and will take on a larger role by mentoring future astronauts.

"I try to always make time to give input," she said. "Anything I can try and pass on, whether it's helpful or not."

Although not a big fan of public speaking, when Moghbeli speaks to students, she rises to the occasion. Now that she's returned to Long Island as a role model, Moghbeli reflects on the teachers who encouraged her passion to take flight.

"Between my parents, my brother and my teachers, I think those are the people who gave me the belief to do this," she said. "I want to thank all the educators out there [who] are doing that for this next generation."