About Us

Becky Manis
Lead Flight Director
Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana

How many years have you been a Flight Director?

Since 1999.

---

Why did you decide to work at a Challenger Learning Center? What was it about the organization’s mission that appealed to you? And, in retrospect, how has the experience been compared with your initial expectations?

When I applied for my current position, I literally had no idea what a wild ride I was in for! I got my first glimpse of a Learning Center simulator about two weeks after I was hired, and my first thought was, "This is awesome!" Then reality struck, and I had many questions. Could I play the role of an astronaut and still be able to teach? Would kids buy into the simulation and be able to learn from it? How could I carry on an education mission started by seven brave astronauts who gave their lives in the name of space science?

---

The founding family members of Challenger Center refer to Challenger Learning Centers as living memorials to the 51-L crew. What does it mean to you when you hear that you are "continuing their mission?"

From the beginning, I was impressed, touched, and intrigued by the mission of the network of Challenger Learning Centers. What a wonderful way to keep the dream alive and draw students into a world of math, science, and technology—all magically embedded in a mission simulation. When I continually saw the proverbial "light bulb" go on so many times for so many kids during a mission, I was hooked.

Using the Challenger Learning Center Network as a resource was my next discovery. The network is comprised of many creative, talented, and generous individuals who love to share what makes their Learning Centers successful. The teamwork that is so critical for students during the mission simulation is also a necessity during day-to-day operations at each Learning Center. It’s wonderful to know that we can pick up the phone and call Kentucky or Louisiana or Texas and end up with numerous ideas and contacts.

What an honor it is to be one member of a network whose job is to live up to the legacy of seven modern day explorers. I’m sure the international team of Challenger Learning Center Flight Directors who voyage, rendezvous, return, and encounter would agree that we are proud to dedicate ourselves to helping prepare today’s "junior astronauts" for the future that awaits them.

---

How has your Challenger Learning Center changed your community—especially in its commitment to education?

Our Challenger Learning Center has become an annual education destination for thousands of students and hundreds of educators, parents, and visitors. We’re proud to welcome students of all abilities and economic levels. We love to hear the stories of students who have hosted talent shows and run fund-raising campaigns to raise the money needed to spend time with us.

Community and business leaders often step up to show their support to students in their areas. In doing so, they let us know that they value our presence as an educational resource. We smile when we hear a student gasp as she walks in the building for the first time; but we swell with emotion when we so often hear a student say on her way out, "This is the best day of my life!"

---