Astronaut Reid Wiseman Encourages Kids To Follow Their Dreams In Hometown Visit

COCKEYSVILLE, Md. (WJZ)--Pursuing your dreams. That's the message Astronaut Reid Wiseman is spreading in his old Baltimore County neighborhood.

Tracey Leong has the story.

A trip down memory lane. NASA Astronaut Reid Wiseman returning to the home he grew up in.

"This was my whole life until I went to college was in this front yard and in this backyard so it's really fantastic to comeback, who gets to come back you grew up in and have this kind of welcoming," said Wiseman.

Wiseman's old neighborhood is celebrating his arrival summing up his return in one word, "awesome."

Wiseman spent 6 months in space.

WJZ's Mary Bubala spoke to Wiseman during his mission.

He's now back on earth motivating kids to reach for the stars.

"It's fun to talk to any kid who is happy and smiling and has a great question," said Wiseman.

Neighbors say Reid Wiseman is exactly how he was in high school, so it's not a surprise he returned to his childhood home to meet with the neighborhood kids.

"Part of his personality and credit to his mom and dad too," said Jim Pecunes.

Jennifer Concepcion, Wiseman's former neighbor says, "What you see is what you get, he was phenomenal in high school, very nice, very outgoing."

Dennis Kirkner lives in Wiseman's old home and organized this gathering.

"When are you going to meet an astronaut again, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity," he said.

And an opportunity to encourage kids is one Wiseman never misses.

"That connection that little nudge can send them on a great path," said Wiseman.

Inspiration impacting these young minds.

"Be an astronaut and discover my dreams do what I want when I grow up because he knew what he wanted when he grew up," said Lauren.

Reid Wiseman told the kids today that the one thing he missed most while in space was sitting and standing.

Wiseman graduated from Dulaney High School in 1993.