Each month, iParenting.com spotlights a teen who inspires and moves us, who embodies the qualities that we all admire in a person, a friend, and a son or a daughter. Above all, the Teen of the Month is dedicated to making a positive mark on the planet. Rich or poor, famous or not, the Teen of the Month shines as an example of what today's teens have to offer.

March's Teens of the Month is Justin Houchin, Space Day 2004 teen spokesperson.

Teens are often accused of being spacey, but when you say that to Justin Houchin it's the ultimate compliment. Houchin, 17, of Sunland, Calif., is the Space Day 2004 teen spokesperson and hopes to eventually become the first teenager in space. Space Day is an educational initiative co-chaired by Senator John Glenn and Dr. Vance Coffman, chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The program's mission is to use space-related activities to inspire and prepare youth for careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Houchin, with his strong interest in robotics and technology, is a natural for his role as teen spokesperson.

"I had heard of Space Day by word of mouth more than once and thought it seemed interesting," says Houchin. "Now that I'm involved, I'm so impressed because it's such a cool program."

Grounded in Science
Houchin didn't win his role as Space Day spokesperson just because he thought it was "cool." His favorite subject has always been science. He's been involved in a number of science-related competitions. In both 2002 and 2003, he and his teammates won awards in the FIRST National Robotics Competition, which fosters youth involvement in engineering and science. Houchin acted as team captain and robot driver. He says the team's success required that they develop a working knowledge of engineering, mechanics and physics.

"The robots had to be constructed to play a particular game, and we had six weeks to design, build, program and then operate a robot at a competition," says Houchin. "It was a ton of work and involved a lot of late nights working on the robot, but it was a fantastic experience."

It was his success at the robotics competition, as well as his dedication as a Boy Scout and member of his community, that led Houchin to his next big honor. He was approached by a corporation called Interorbital Systems and offered an opportunity to be the first teenager in space. The caveat is that he has to help raise the money for his own trip, but if he's successful, this would be historical – not only because this flight would carry the first teenager, but also because it would be the first non-government sponsored, commercial space flight. Interorbital Systems is hoping to launch by the end of 2004. Eventually, the purpose of the flights would be for tourism.

Whether that actually takes off or not, just being chosen as eligible for the program is what led Houchin to be asked to represent Space Day, an honor he takes very seriously.

"I want to provide kids with ideas and ways they can do wonderful things in life and eventually make a good living, too," says Houchin. "As a Space Day spokesperson, I hope to raise [kids'] awareness about science, technology, engineering and math. There are so many really cool jobs out there that are also incredibly fun."

Fun With a Purpose
Although Houchin's interest in science is a big part of his interest in space exploration, he's also motivated by his curiosity and love of adventure.

"I've always been into adventure, looking for the next way to challenge myself both mentally and physically," he says. "I especially like extreme sports like skate boarding and snow boarding."

Houchin has been a Scout since age 8. Right now he's working on the final phase of his Scouting life, Eagle Scout. He also graduated at age 16 from Los Angeles Academy of Literacy and the Arts. He's currently taking math and science courses at the local community college while he makes a decision on where he wants to focus academically.

Houchin has other interests, as well. Musically gifted, he's passionate about the idea of becoming a professional rock guitarist. He's also interested in films, and he hopes to get involved in filmmaking someday. Houchin won't pinpoint one particular career path he wants to follow. He feels that young people should plan to pursue a variety of passions to keep life interesting and fulfilling.

"In 10 years, I hope that I can look back on fond memories of having gone into space, but I have other plans as well," says Houchin. "Truthfully, I plan to do it all. I don't see any reason why a person can't be a rock guitarist and a filmmaker and an astronaut – and anything they want to be."

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