About Us

Maki Kurisaki
Lead Flight Director
Challenger Learning Center of San Joaquin Valley

How many years have you been with the Challenger Learning Center?

Since 2000.

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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?

To inspire kids.

Well, it has definitely changed a lot through experience. At first I was trying to teach "space," but now I’ve learned how to inspire kids first to get them more interested in space later.

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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?"

I think that the family members of the Challenger crew 51-L definitely started the road for "continuing their mission." Without opening a facility like a Challenger Learning Center, I cannot imagine how kids could continue the crew’s mission. Also, as students continue the 51-L crew’s mission, they can still learn about the tragedy of the Challenger crew. Never forget!

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

I definitely believe that it has made a difference. More and more teachers and parents are interested in educational programs such as the Challenger Learning Center missions. I am sure they are taking advantage of this type of program. I also think students are having fun flying missions and, at the same time, they are learning multiple subjects.

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What was your most memorable Challenger Learning Center experience?

When the student finishes their mission and they say, "Can we do it again? This is better than Disneyland."

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What do you remember most about the Challenger mission and its crew?

I was 12 years old at the time of the incident, and I really don’t remember clearly. But I remember seeing the tragedy on the news, and that there was a teacher involved…

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If someone were to ask you about the value of a Challenger Learning Center program, how would you respond?

We keep inspiring kids! We want kids to discover the Universe and wonder about what’s out there. I believe they need to explore space and let others know what’s out there. But I think we have to keep questioning them about it. That’s our mission and the value of the Challenger Learning Center program.

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