An astronaut can inspire students. So can a professional football player.

Leland Melvin has claims to both careers.

He spoke to students at Jack Swigert Aerospace Academy about space and sports Friday — seeking to encourage and inspire. His long list of accomplishments include a stint in the NFL and NASA space missions.

“I was a jock and a nerd and it was cool,” he said.

Melvin is a former space shuttle crew member who operated the robotic arm during two flights to the International Space Station. He’s the current NASA associate administrator for education, and spends a lot of time talking to students about pursuing their dreams.

Melvin shared a lot of science and stories from his time with NASA, including the recent landing on Mars by the Curiosity rover. The biggest hit may have been the videos of football, floating water bubbles and flying M&M’s candies from his time on the International Space Station.

“I didn’t know being an astronaut could be so awesome,” said Swigert eighth-grader Aline Rincon, 14.

She said she had given some thought to being an astronaut, but she learned a lot from Melvin’s presentation. Aline added that she was more excited about science and math, and realized that so many things use the subjects.

Melvin said when he was in middle school, he hadn’t envisioned any of the things he has accomplished in his life.

“I never imagined it, but I knew I could do anything,” he said.

That’s the message Melvin shared with students Friday, including stories of major failures and how he kept trying. He said he wants to share his experiences with kids who might not see themselves pursuing science and related careers.

“I’m an informal educator,” Melvin said.

Both his parents were teachers, and he saw the impact they had on the entire community.

Melvin visited five Colorado schools in two days, although Swigert was his only Colorado Springs stop. The trip was hosted by Shades of Blue, an organization aimed at introducing and leading students to career opportunities in aviation and aerospace. The Castle Rock-based nonprofit provides young people with educational opportunities, training and employment assistance.

“We’re losing a lot of out intellectual capitol to retirements,” said founder and president Willie Daniels, a longtime United Airlines pilot.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education can help inspire kids, he said, leading them to dig into different fields.

Melvin doesn’t want STEM exploration to stay inside school however. While the NASA education website, www.nasa.gov/education, has tools for educators, parents can tap the resources to learn alongside their kids, he said.

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Contact Kristina Iodice: 636-0162 Twitter @GazetteKristina Facebook Kristina Iodice