Former NASA Astronaut visits East Bay high school students

PITTSBURG, Calif. (KGO) -- Former NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez told about 70 High School seniors Tuesday that if he can graduate from a UC school and become an astronaut- they can do it, too.

The students all attend Antioch or Pittsburg High Schools and most will be the first generation in their families to attend college.

RELATED: Astro Kate visits old Napa high school after trip to space

The University of California is reaching out in an effort to broaden its diversity in its student body.

Hernandez told the kids NASA rejected him 11 times, but he never quit, and was accepted the 12th time he applied. He went to space in 2009 - proof that perseverance pays off.

Click here for more stories and videos on NASA.