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COLUMBIA, MO. -- Students at Columbia’s Benton Elementary School took a trip around the world through the eyes of a real astronaut.

Space Shuttle Crew Member Sandy Magnus gave a presentation of her adventures in space.

Magnus knew she wanted to shoot for the stars ever since she was in 7th grade.  Magnus fulfilled her dream after completing 3 shuttle missions during her 15 year career.  Magnus showed students what it was like to live on the international station for 4 1/2 months.

Future Astronaut Chai Cox said, “I think astronauts are really cool because when I grow up I want to be an astronaut, too.”

Students were excited to see photos and videos of Magnus while she worked in space.  Her message to the children was to follow their dreams, whether it’s to be an astronaut or something else.

Magnus said, “Believe in yourself, work really hard and try and achieve your dreams.  That’s really the message I try to instill when I talk to students.”

The students got a chance to ask Magnus questions like, how did she go to the bathroom in space, and did she see an aliens up there?  Magnus said she never saw any extra-terrestrials, but she had a great view from her window.

Magnus’ visit to Benton Elementary was part of a 2-day speaking tour in Columbia that ends Friday morning at Columbia’s Career Center.