Space for growth | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Re "Alpine District closes popular space center — for now" (Tribune, Oct. 25):

I spent my fifth and sixth grade years in The Christa McAuliffe Space Education Center. It was one of the most influential periods in my life. My time there shaped the way I look at the world, and developed the skills that I use every day.

It wasn't just the fun of the place, it was the sense of belonging. Regardless how weird, nerdy or strange I was, there was a place where I was accepted. I don't think that I could have made it through secondary school without the skills I learned there. Skills vital to future life — like thinking on your feet and teamwork — but which are not always emphasized in a traditional classroom.

Without the experiences I had there, I would be a completely different person. I can't adequately express the gratitude I feel for Victor Williamson and all the staff for the profound impact they made on my life. It would be a travesty to take the experience away from others.

I implore the Alpine School District and the community to get behind this program.

Matt Bezzant

Pleasant Grove