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This multi-part story shared on LinkedIn captures the truly magical experience at the 2026 Space People (Personas Espaciales) Conference in Mexico City on October 16-17.<\/p>\n
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PART 1<\/p>\n
Sharing educational wealth: Part 1 – 2026 Space People (Personas Espaciales) Conference (October 16-17) in Mexico City: Simply magical!<\/p>\n
Once upon time, a young Latina with great potential had a dream of becoming an astronaut, but, in the dark, she failed the first exam in Physics Mechanics. This is when Katya Echazarreta<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> joined my San Diego City College<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, and I empowered her with the learning culture – including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning, to help her create her own success with the knowledge that SHE defines HERSELF – and she did!<\/p>\n Katya earned a 100% score on the 2nd Physics exam on her way to becoming a UCLA<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> electrical engineering grad (B.S.), The Johns Hopkins University<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> electrical and computer engineering grad (M.S.), The George Washington University<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> doctoral scholar in systems engineering, (former) NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> Electrical Engineer, first Mexican-born and youngest female astronaut in 2022 aboard the Blue Origin<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> New Shepard NS-21 flight, and founder of a Space Foundation which advocates for a space program in Mexico and sponsors space camps for youth across Mexico. In 2024, Katya was recognized as 1 of 3 Outstanding Alumni by the American Association of Community Colleges<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span>!<\/p>\n Fast forward to 2026 – the Space People conference, sponsored by Katya’s Space Foundation, was an “out-of-this-world” experience with a spectacular lineup of space industry leaders sharing their knowledge and expertise with students, industry professionals, and invited guests. Covering a multitude of topics associated with human spaceflight and exploration, each speaker was amazing, but collectively they “were the beautiful blue halo” around the earth, as seen from space, and led by our fearless astronaut, Katya!<\/p>\n Classic moment: Nuclear engineer Gemma Irais Strong<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> confidently stated in her presentation, “Nuclear is easy!”<\/p>\n Into this elite conference, it was my privilege to take the learning culture revolution to empower the next generation of STEM professionals in Mexico – and I did!<\/p>\n Part 2 will highlight the “face” of the learning culture and the impact on students.<\/p>\n My heart overflows with pride! Katya’s success epitomizes the power of the learning culture, but higher education leaders must be “student-centered” and have the urgency to turn on the lights to empower students with the learning culture when they begin their college studies because it must be the foundation on which student success is built (if there is any doubt, then ask Katya!).<\/p>\n The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!<\/p>\n PART 2<\/p>\n Sharing educational wealth: Part 2 – 2026 Space People (Personas Espaciales) Conference (October 16-17) in Mexico City: Un rostro (a face)!<\/span><\/p>\n Each speaker was introduced via a powerful and very dramatic intro video (my video is “The Corner Man” – tinyurl.com\/bdhnfnhd<\/strong><\/a><\/span>), and the opening video for the conference included these words, “El espacio tiene un rostro (space has a face)!”<\/p>\n Yes, and I immediately realized that the Learning Culture also has a “face” – it is the many beautiful faces of students empowered with the learning culture – including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning, to give them hope and true empowerment to create their own success with the knowledge that THEY define THEMSELVES<\/p>\n It was my privilege to take the learning culture revolution to empower the next generation of STEM professionals in Mexico – and I did! I also gave away mini posters of Having a Mindset for Learning superheroes (available on the Turning on the Lights website).<\/p>\n The responses from students were very powerful, and it was clear that my presentation gave them a life changing experience – this absolutely made my day!<\/p>\n Below is the new “face” of the learning culture in Mexico, with these responses:<\/p>\n “I didn’t know this existed!”<\/p>\n “At this moment, this is exactly what I needed to hear!”<\/p>\n “I needed this because I’m often the only female (in classes).”<\/p>\n “Thank you! I really needed this because I had cancer and I am now a returning student.”<\/p>\n The fact is, the learning culture is universal in any\u00a0language – and it is also universally a hidden curriculum, yet students\u00a0need it when they begin their college studies because it must be the foundation on which student success is built (if there is any doubt, then ask these Mexican superstar scholars!)<\/p>\n Part 3 will highlight the impact on educators. Follow the story of the 2026 Space People conference.<\/p>\n The learning culture is proven and very powerful, but higher education leaders must be “student-centered” and have the urgency to turn on the lights to empower students with the learning culture from Day 1!<\/p>\n The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!<\/p>\n PART 3<\/p>\n Sharing educational wealth: Part 3 – 2026 Space People (Personas Espaciales) Conference (October 16-17) in Mexico City: Impact on educators!<\/p>\n The impact of my “introduction to the learning culture” presentation extended beyond the students – it also impacted and inspired STEM educators, and this too made my day!<\/p>\n Pre-college educators were most impressed by the power of the learning culture to transform student lives. This gave them a boost of motivation in their role as educators, and they were inspired to use the learning culture in their efforts to increase student success and get students interested in STEM.<\/p>\n Similarly, higher ed professors recognized the great value of the learning culture – including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning, as educational wealth and a necessary foundation on which student success must be built. This was the case for a Physics professor from Mt. San Antonio College.<\/p>\n Ironically, once upon a time, Physics Mechanics was the class where the legend of the first Mexican-born and youngest female astronaut, Katya Echazarreta<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, was born! In the dark, she failed the first physics exam, then, after being empowered with the learning culture in my San Diego City College<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, she proceeded to earn a 100% score on the second exam on her way to achieving her dream of becoming an astronaut – and we were reunited years later at this 2026 Space People conference, sponsored by her Space Foundation! Click this link (tinyurl.com\/2prvff9h<\/strong><\/a><\/span>) to enjoy Katya’s “learning culture testimonial” video.<\/p>\n It was a great pleasure to meet the Mt. SAC Physics professor, and I look forward to learning about the experience that he and his students will share in the bright light of the learning culture!<\/p>\n Part 4 will highlight the impact on industry professionals. Follow the story of the 2026 Space People conference.<\/p>\n The learning culture is proven and very powerful, but higher education leaders must be “student-centered” and have the urgency to turn on the lights to empower students with the learning culture from Day 1!<\/p>\n The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!<\/p>\n PART 4<\/p>\n Sharing educational wealth: Part 4 – 2026 Space People (Personas Espaciales) Conference (October 16-17) in Mexico City: Impact on industry leaders!<\/span><\/p>\n The impact of my “introduction to the learning culture” presentation extended beyond the students and educators – it also impacted and inspired space industry leaders, and this too made my day!<\/p>\n My MESA stars, empowered with the learning culture – including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning, know that the learning culture is important for academic success and even more important for success as professionals and in life – the industry leaders also recognized this!<\/p>\n Just as AS9100 is the international Quality Management System standard for the Aviation, Space and Defense industry, the learning culture is the STANDARD for student success in higher education because it is fundamental to learning (lnkd.in\/p\/gkwsUYn7<\/strong><\/a><\/span>).<\/p>\n One industry leader asked me to “be his mentor” – and I agreed!<\/p>\n Another leader, Jesus Charles<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> (pictured below), has a powerful, inspirational life story which began in Matamoros, in the northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, and led to his current role as Director of Spacecraft Operations at Firefly Aerospace<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> – he is the “Moon Commander”! In March 2025, Jesus and his Firefly team achieved the first fully-upright and smooth soft-landing of their Blue Ghost Mission 1 lander on the moon!<\/p>\n When asked for his reaction to the learning culture, Jesus replied, “Where was it 13 years ago?” – i.e., when he was in school!<\/p>\n The fact is, in the status quo which exists in higher education, Jesus was left to succeed through trial and error in the dark!<\/p>\n When asked for his favorite “superpower” among the nine superpowers in what it means to “have a mindset for learning” in the learning culture, Jesus instantly replied, “Self-advocacy (auto-abogac\u00eda) because I didn’t have it!”<\/p>\n Introduced to the learning culture, he certainly has it now, and he has the power to make the learning culture part of his kids’ environment to help prepare them for college and beyond!<\/p>\n Part 5 will highlight how, just like Firefly nailed the lunar landing, I too “nailed the landing” with the innovation of the learning culture for increasing student success. Follow the story of the 2026 Space People conference.<\/p>\n The learning culture is proven and very powerful, but higher education leaders must be “student-centered” and have the urgency to turn on the lights to empower students with the learning culture from Day 1!<\/p>\n The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!<\/p>\n PART 5<\/p>\n Sharing educational wealth: Part 5 – 2026 Space People (Personas Espaciales) Conference (October 16-17) in Mexico City: Nailed the landing!<\/span><\/p>\n It was a great pleasure to meet Jesus Charles<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, who was highlighted in Part 4. As engineers, we share a unique kinship: He and his Firefly Aerospace<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> team nailed the lunar landing with the Blue Ghost Mission 1, and I “nailed the landing” with the innovation of the learning culture for increasing student success. Failure was not an option for either of us.<\/p>\n The Moon Commander understands and appreciates that I defined the Learning Culture – including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning, with my background and experience as a systems engineer & educator, plus reverse engineering, Continuous Process Improvement, and input – and especially the results, from my MESA students.<\/p>\n The result: The learning culture is optimized, proven, and very powerful!<\/p>\n There is nothing across higher education that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture.<\/p>\n With the learning culture, student success is not a coincidence; it is an expected outcome by design. Therefore, it wasn’t surprising when the founder of the Fundaci\u00f3n Espacial, Katya Echazarreta<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, who failed the 1st Physics Mechanics exam in the dark in 2014, earned a 100% score on the 2nd Physics exam after being empowered with the learning culture in my San Diego City College<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> (SDCC) Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> – on her way to achieving her dream of becoming an astronaut!<\/p>\n In 2000, I was the founding Director of the SDCC MESA Program. It is a comprehensive academic support model, but it lacks learning culture as an explicit strategy for increasing student success. I began developing the learning culture praxis model in 2009 after finding research (tinyurl.com\/48set534<\/strong><\/a><\/span>) which identified important factors for college readiness and success, including “understanding the college system, college standards, and the CULTURE of college.”<\/p>\n There are many challenges in higher education, but learning culture shouldn’t be one of them because our students must balance academics and life.<\/p>\n If you don’t get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.<\/p>\n Part 6 will highlight how, just like nuclear, the learning culture is also easy. Follow the story of the 2026 Space People conference.<\/p>\n The learning culture is educational wealth, but higher education leaders must be “student-centered” and have the urgency to turn on the lights to empower students with the learning culture from Day 1!<\/p>\n The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!<\/p>\n PART 6<\/p>\n Sharing educational wealth: Part 6 – 2026 Space People (Personas Espaciales) Conference (October 16-17) in Mexico City: It’s easy!<\/span><\/p>\n It was a great pleasure to meet Gemma Irais Strong<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, nuclear engineer at the Idaho National Laboratory<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span>. In her presentation on the “future of space nuclear,” she delivered the quintessential quote of the conference when she confidently stated, “Nuclear is easy!”<\/p>\n Inspired by Irais, I too can confidently state, “The Learning Culture – including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning, is easy!”<\/p>\n First, the language of success in what it means to “have a mindset for learning” includes POTENTIAL, COMMITMENT, SECRET TO SUCCESS, SELF-ADVOCACY, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE, MENTAL TOUGHNESS, GOAL FOCUS, the purpose for the learning – FREEDOM, and EMBRACING VULNERABILITY!<\/p>\n This is power! Books are written about such topics.<\/p>\n Second, “knowing how to approach the learning” includes 3 levels of effective strategies for students to take control of their learning, including 1) Big Picture Approach to Problem Solving – this must be the focus, 2) Formula for Approaching the Learning with steps for students to take Before, During, and After class, and 3) Other Strategies for students to track their progress, organize class work, take tests, manage their time, have a strong start to each semester, and interact with professors beginning Week 1, plus Early Alert as a 3-step strategy for overcoming challenges.<\/p>\n EASY, EASY, EASY!<\/p>\n There is nothing across higher education that matches the pure power – often instant and very dramatic, of the learning culture.<\/p>\n It is educational wealth and must be the foundation on which student success is built, yet it is a hidden curriculum – especially for first-generation students, and it is implied at best, which leaves students to learn it in a piecemeal fashion in the dark through trial and error.<\/p>\n There are many challenges in higher education, but learning culture shouldn’t be one of them because our students must balance academics and life.<\/p>\n Do learning culture well, and student success will follow! See tinyurl.com\/y9pwe87e<\/strong><\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n If you don’t get it, then ask. If you don’t ask or try, then students will pay the price.<\/p>\n Part 7 will highlight the Open Space Vision Award. Follow the story of the 2026 Space People conference.<\/p>\n The learning culture is proven and very powerful, but higher education leaders must be “student-centered” and have the urgency to turn on the lights to empower students with the learning culture from Day 1!<\/p>\n The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!<\/p>\n PART 7<\/p>\n Sharing educational wealth: Part 7 – 2026 Space People (Personas Espaciales) Conference (October 16-17) in Mexico City: Open Space Vision Award – proudest moment!<\/span><\/p>\n “The learning culture – including 1) having a mindset for learning (most important part!), and 2) knowing how to approach the learning, will take you to places you never imagined!”<\/p>\n ABSOLUTELY TRUE!<\/p>\n This is the powerful student experience when they’re empowered with the learning culture to create their own success with the knowledge that THEY define THEMSELVES!<\/p>\n The learning culture was born in my San Diego City College Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program in 2009, and, as the Corner Man, it was a privilege to use it to transform the lives of my MESA stars from 2009-2024. Now, with the learning culture available FREE on the Turning on the Lights website, I do not apologize nor ask permission to transform student lives across higher education – anytime and anywhere.<\/p>\n But I never imagined that I too would experience the above quote!<\/p>\n As shared in Part 1, in 2014, the learning culture transformed the life of a young Latina, Katya Echazarreta<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span>, who joined my MESA Program and went on to achieve her dream of becoming an astronaut.<\/p>\n Fast forward to 2026 \u2013 along with a spectacular lineup of space industry leaders, it was a privilege to empower the next generation of STEM professionals in the Space People conference, sponsored by Katya\u2019s Space Foundation!<\/p>\n Now imagine this unbelievable moment:<\/p>\n After delivering a powerful and inspiring closing keynote address, Katya proceeded to award the inaugural Open Space Vision Award “recognizing those who are opening up new opportunities within the space sector,” and, with heartfelt words, SHE AWARDED IT TO ME!<\/p>\n I was stunned. I could never imagine such a profound moment.<\/p>\n As educators, we don’t do “what we do” for awards; we do it because we care, and I relish the pleasure of transforming student lives. The success of students, especially my MESA stars, is my reward, and I’ve been rewarded like a king!<\/p>\n I’ve enjoyed a distinguished career, but, coming from my MESA star and astronaut, the award represents the pinnacle of a career dedicated to student success.<\/p>\n In the moment in which I received it, Katya “took me alongside her up into space” where I never imagined myself!<\/p>\n Thank you, Katya! ❤️<\/p>\n Part 8 will highlight the epilogue. Follow the story of the 2026 Space People conference.<\/p>\n The learning culture is educational wealth, but higher education leaders must be “student-centered” and have the urgency to turn on the lights to empower students with the learning culture from Day 1!<\/p>\n The learning culture revolution has begun at turning-on-the-lights.com<\/strong><\/a><\/span>. There is no longer a reason for any student to remain in the dark with regards to the culture for learning which exists in every institution of higher education. Thank you for sharing. Revolutionaries are invited to take this revolution wherever it is needed!<\/p>\n PART 8<\/p>\n Sharing educational wealth: Part 8 – 2026 Space People (Personas Espaciales) Conference (October 16-17) in Mexico City: Epilogue – beyond the conference!<\/span><\/p>\n Following an absolutely magical conference and before returning home, I enjoyed an unforgettable family reunion with my cousins and nieces\/nephews – and a feast of homemade, classic Mexican dishes!<\/p>\n This too gave me the opportunity to share the learning culture with my family. Pictured below is a lineup of nieces\/nephews holding copies of “having a mindset for learning” superhero mini posters!<\/p>\n The impact of the “introduction to the learning culture” was instant and very inspiring. Collectively, they related to the language of success through their lived experiences; however, this was the first time they were introduced to the nine “superpowers” as a collection of important elements in a culture for learning.<\/p>\n In particular, one nephew (pictured 4th from the left) is a bank branch manager. He greatly valued what it means to “have a mindset for learning,” and he viewed it as a powerful professional development activity for his staff – he was right!<\/p>\n On the following Monday, he simply shared the superhero mini posters with his staff and asked them to consider how each superpower could benefit them personally and as a team.<\/p>\n Then, in their regular Friday meeting, they held a team discussion for sharing perspectives and experiences – it was very successful! In a staff with different ages (20s-50s) and roles, everyone participated, especially the younger staff members, who loved the superhero mini posters. My nephew’s team is now empowered to achieve their business goals with a shared language of success!<\/p>\n Yes, this too is the power of the learning culture, and I returned home with a great sense of pride knowing that the learning culture impacted students, educators, industry leaders, and my own family in Mexico – plus I needed to make room in my luggage for a beautiful Open Space Vision Award!<\/p>\n Enjoy the complete story of the 2026 Space People conference.<\/p>\n The learning culture is educational wealth, but higher education leaders must be “student-centered” and have the urgency to turn on the lights to empower students with the learning culture from Day 1!<\/p>\n<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/turning-on-the-lights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1-Student-A-225x300.jpg\")
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