I have been lucky enough to meet a couple of astronauts in person, and an important former NASA administrator, Mr. Hans Mark, as my Orbital Mechanics professor at U.T. Austin.
In my 4th college year when I presented some of my undergraduate research at the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). The institute held a "contest" between students at Johnson Space Center, in order to judge the best presentation among undergraduates and hand out a small plaque and prize. I won't say who won the contest, but I got to meet several astronauts at Johnson Space Ctr. and I can tell you that even as a young adult it is a rather momentous event when you get to speak to them up-close.
They are so very "down-to-earth" (no pun intended), and they are all holders of engineering degrees (as Mr. Armstrong was). So it takes a moment or two for you to realise they are just engineering geeks like you, save a healthier than average physique, a somewhat common military experience and the universal ability to pilot an aircraft (not all of us engineers learn to fly unless you count out "nickel and dime" 1960's Cessna flight simulator at UT as "flight experience.")
After a few seconds the conversation flows and you get the impression that when you talk to astronauts you're talking to a close knit family of professionals who are very much like you, save their extraordinary job duties. It is a that very moment that you feel the most desire to join the programme in some capacity (engineering, scientist or astronaut). You begin to feel a vague sense of belonging (common nerdness/geekness?
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May you rest in peace Mr. Armstrong.
J. Wilhelm
