We recently had the chance to connect with Kevin J DeBruin and have shared our conversation below.
Kevin J, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I hit the gym first thing in the morning, have breakfast, and then take my dog to the park. It gives me energy, peace, and happiness right away to start the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kevin J DeBruin, I am a former NASA Rocket Scientist turned entrepreneur and a professional space educator. I founded Space Class, the new way to start your space journey. Space Class consists of video lessons about space exploration and space science accompanied by a materials box full of project-based learning activities paired with each video lesson. We also offer a signature event where we bring Space Professionals into classrooms to engage and inspire students from K-8th grade.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My boss at NASA JPL, Dr. Jackie Green. She saw something in me right away which is what made her hire me in the first place. Then while at NASA she could see the future path of my space education efforts. She knew that I could best serve the public and the world by focusing in on exposing and inspiring people about the wonders of space exploration and it’s importance to us here on Earth.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell myself that it’s all worth it. Every trial and tribulation is essential to get me to where I am today. That the hard days, the setbacks, the thoughts of giving up and all ingredients to build what I’ve built. To keep pressing on because it will all pay off and you’ll appreciate where you are and what you’ve done.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I say 100%. I like to live my life by the notion of “if everything I did was on the front page of the newspaper, how would I feel about that?” I guess we may have to change that to “trending on X” nowadays, but the sentiment is the same. I believe I am the same in the public and private eye, it’s what gives my business and my programs that genuine authenticity. I truly feel down to my bones in what I’m doing, teaching space to as many people as possible; to create those sparks of curiosity in the youth so that they may grow up to tackle their own challenges and make a difference in the world.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
My job at NASA after the honeymoon effect wore off. I was initially ecstatic to get my dream job after working 15-years towards it, but soon after I felt a bit empty, like something was still missing. It was only when I fell in love with space education that my cup was overflowing and I knew I needed to make that my life. Yes I quit NASA, many have called me crazy (including my parents), but now people see why and the incredible impact I am making outside the office walls.
