2020 UNITED SPACE SCHOOL STUDENT

MEET SKYLER CHAN

We're very excited to announce our first space school student from outside of Alberta! The Western Canadian delegate this year is Skyler Chan from Vancouver, BC. We'll let him introduce himself to you in his own words: 

Hi! My name is Skyler Chan, and I am currently a Grade 11 student in the French Immersion International Baccalaureate program at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School in Vancouver, beautiful British Columbia! Since the age of 3, I developed an innate passion for aerospace that has carried on to this date. Throughout elementary school, I would pass the time reading any space-themed books that I could get my hands on, which led to my dream of becoming an astronaut. Fun fact: I spent half of my Halloweens dressed up as an astronaut! 

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Chris Hadfield’s book, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth because it introduced me to the Air Cadet program at the age of 12. After joining 111 Pegasus Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, my eyes were opened to a whole new world of opportunity. Today, I am fortunate to share my passion for aerospace to the younger cadets as a Flight Sergeant and as an instructor at regular training nights or Ground School. Outside of the cadet world, I am involved in the world of debate, Model United Nations, Youth Parliament, and fencing.

The United Space School is an opportunity that is (no pun intended) out of this world! It combines my passion for aerospace with my penchant for public speaking—a rare occurrence. The emotion I felt upon receiving the acceptance letter is indescribable in words. I am forever indebted to The Hangar Flight Museum and to FISE for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity. The exposure to the aerospace industry and the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals that this program provides is unmatched. With this opportunity, the dream—astronaut—is one step closer!