More Than Just a Field Trip

Emilio Flores
Los Fresnos News

Brownsville Tx. — At the start of this month, BiG Heroes had the opportunity to visit the world’s first commercial launch site for orbital missions, SpaceX. But the field trip day was a much bigger challenge than one might think…

BiG Heroes, for those who don’t know, is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to take post-high school students with disabilities and continue their learning and “provide the necessary tools to help each member reach their maximum potential in life.”

Los Fresnos News wrote a story back in February on some of the things BiG Heroes does for students and what the students have accomplished.

One of the things that Martha Gonzalez, Executive Director at BiG Heroes, mentioned back in February was the growth of students. She currently has more than twenty students.

Mrs. Gonzalez says she “began by reaching out to the SpaceX Tour Coordinator to confirm on the possibility of touring. Having the opportunity to expose our students to the future of commercial space travel was a great experience,” But this was only the beginning, “Once we had the approval, we needed to brainstorm on how to get there!” Mrs. Gonzalez explains that before, they were able to use their personal vehicles and caravan, but now with more students, that just wasn’t gonna work.

Mrs. Gonzalez says “Brownsville Police Chief, Felix Sauceda heard about our dilemma and stepped in to help coordinate.”
The Brownsville PD had a whole escort for BiG Heroes. Brownsville Chief Sauceda had Brownsville city vans escorted by Police motorcycles. Being treated as dignitaries or VIPs. He says that the motorcyclists made a point to wave at the students and personally escort them which even got the attention of SpaceX.
Mrs. Gonzalez says that their “BiG Blue team” as they call the Brownsville Police Officers, was an instrumental part in getting them to STARBASE.

Mrs. Gonzalez expressed that it was a great field trip. The students were very excited and asked lots of questions about the rockets and what all happens at Starbase here in Brownsville.

Afterward, BiG Heroes had a pizza party back at the Brownsville Police Department, and students had a great time. Sauceda says that some of the students asked for his phone number and that they text him and keep in touch.

Mrs. Gonzalez highlights on the importance of inclusion saying, “The movement towards inclusion is to build awareness that our students want to learn more about the community alongside their nondisabled peers.” She says, “Our members may require a little more elaboration, but the information helps build up their interests and knowledge base so that they can partake in conversation alongside their nondisabled peers and families. Our students are curious to learn about what space travel is and how their community plays a role in it.”

That is one of BiG Heroes’ goals, to shine the light on the less abled and bring Inclusion; showing that these young adults can learn and experience all the same things and can live a more enriched and fulfilling life. Mrs. Gonzalez says “everyone works differently and should focus on ABILITIES.”
She says “We thank Brownsville PD Chief Sauceda for championing inclusion in our community. Challenges always arise when planning a field trip, but we are blessed to have the support of the community and most importantly God’s blessings.”

Chief Sauceda mentions that they work with Down by the Border, & Driscoll Children’s Specialty Center as well. Service from the heart is what Chief Sauceda says the Department tries to practice on a daily. He says that It’s important to support them and it’s important to him to have a “strong community outreach”.

Gonzalez says “Having the support of Brownsville Police Department & Chief Sauceda through the years has been a blessing for our nonprofit organization. We are glad that BPD understands the importance of inclusion of our members into the community. It was truly amazing to have the support of officers in blue by our side through this experience. There is no doubt that if an emergency had occurred they would have stepped up to serve our members and we are blessed to count on their support.”

BiG Heroes’ mission is to provide continued post-high school learning experiences to young adults with disabilities. They continue to provide the necessary tools to help each member reach their maximum potential in life and assist those who seek a job opportunity in their community and feel confident to do so. They have created a God-centered environment that empowers young adults with special abilities to be recognized for their contributions to an inclusive community. To learn more about our program please visit their website at www.BiGherotx.org

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