A Million Miles Away (2023): A Cinematic Journey of Inspiration for Career Development

In the tapestry of my public school years, one of the key threads woven into my personal and academic development came from films that portrayed the Chicano struggle and perseverance. Icons like Edward James Olmos, Jennifer Lopez, Lou Diamond Philips, and Michael Peña brought these narratives to life during minimum days, shaping my identity and fostering a sense of self-efficacy. As a first-generation Mexicana, these cinematic experiences allowed me to connect deeply with characters facing challenges similar to my own.

Astronaut Jose Hernandez's Odyssey: During a flight to Mexico, I stumbled upon "A Million Miles Away" (2023), a heartfelt narrative chronicling the life of Astronaut Jose Hernandez. Born into a migrant farmworker family, the film paints a vivid picture of his family's struggles and his journey to become a first-generation professional, ultimately realizing his dream of joining NASA's space program. This powerful film resonates with me, offering a unique perspective on the immigrant experience, the farmworker's plight, and the journey from humble beginnings to becoming a skilled astronaut.

Career Development Lessons:

1. Seeing Yourself in a Space is Half the Battle: The film underscores the importance of visualization, emphasizing that seeing oneself in a particular space is a significant step toward achieving one's goals. Jose Hernandez, inspired by the Moon landing in 1969, experienced a profound impact on his self-efficacy. The message is clear – the size of your dreams is only limited by your ability to envision them.
   

2. You Don't Achieve in Isolation: Jose's triumph is not his alone; it is a testament to the strength and efforts of his community – his family, friends, and his wife. This lesson highlights the collective nature of success, emphasizing that individual achievements are often built upon the support of a community.
   

3. Develop a Recipe for Success and Demonstrate Tenacity: The film portrays Jose's father, despite having a third-grade education, as a source of wisdom who instilled in him a recipe for success: defining a goal, determining the necessary steps, and developing a plan to achieve it. This underscores the importance of mentorship, learning from various sources, and showcasing tenacity in pursuing one's goals.

Implications for Educators and Counselors: For educators and counselors seeking to nurture the potential of brilliant young minds, storytelling emerges as a powerful tool. Sharing stories like Jose Hernandez's allows students to relate these narratives to their own lives, fostering inspiration, resilience, and a sense of possibility.

In essence, "A Million Miles Away" serves not only as a captivating cinematic experience but also as a source of profound career development lessons. It encourages us to dream big, recognize the collective effort behind individual success, and develop a resilient mindset on the journey towards our aspirations. Through storytelling, we can cultivate the next generation of trailblazers, empowering them to reach for the stars and beyond.

Guided Questions for 13+ Year Olds Watching "A Million Miles Away" (2023):

1. How do you think Jose's background and identity influence his dreams and the challenges he faces? Reflect on whether you see any parallels between his experiences and aspects of your own identity.

2. Throughout the movie, Jose receives support from his family, friends, and his wife. In what ways do you think this support system contributes to Jose's success? Think about the people in your own life who support your dreams and goals. How important do you believe a supportive community is in achieving your aspirations?

3. Hernandez recipe for success: defining a goal, determining the necessary steps, and developing a plan to achieve it.  Think about a goal you have for yourself, whether it's related to academics, extracurriculars, or personal growth. How can the Hernandez approach to goal-setting and resilience inspire you in pursuing your aspirations? What steps can you take to develop your own recipe for success?