Former astronaut visits elementary students in MIddleton following viral post

MIDDLETON, Ida. — Former NASA astronaut José Hernández stopped by several schools in Middleton Tuesday, sharing his story to inspire young students.

The visit comes just months after a viral post showing several teachers from a Middleton School District school dressed in stereotypical Mexican attire. The group was pictured standing next to a cut-out of a border wall with the words "Make America Great Again."

Hernández heard about the post and decided to make the trip, sharing the story of his struggles to become a NASA astronaut and offering cultural sensitivity training to teachers.

"I think at the end of the day they were very appreciative that I did come. I saw the genuine interest of the teachers so I get it. I think they get it. I think this is the beginning of a new chapter for Middleton," Hernández said.

Hernández joined NASA in the early 2000s and spent nearly two weeks in space in 2009. He became the first person to use the Spanish language in space while tweeting during the mission.