While in the Opelika school system, I had many great teachers and coaches.  Ray Campbell, Jimmy Jones, and Bobby Barrett are coaches who taught me teamwork, discipline, and dedication when I played football, wrestled, and ran track under their guidance.

The lessons I learned from these men on the playing field and in the gym were used often throughout my life.  Their encouragement during many hours of hard work provided me with a determination to never give up that enabled me to persevere and achieve my career goals.

Teachers who were particularly influential when they taught me were Major Waite, who opened the door for me to obtain an ROTC scholarship, Mr. Jim Strong, who showed me a person can overcome obstacles and succeed, Mr. Wayne Poe, who provided me with personal guidance when I needed it, and Mrs. Helen Schlesinger, who through her classes on chemistry and physics inspired me to continue my technical education.

I know that without the positive influence of these great educators and others in the Opelika City School System, I could not have become the person that I am today, and I would not have been blessed with the success I have achieved.  They started me on the path that led to spaceflight, allowing me to fly on the Space Shuttle five times and to live and work in space on the International Space Station.

I will always be thankful that I was taught and inspired by them.

Jim Voss
NASA Astronaut
Retired Space Shuttle Veteran – International Space Station Resident