Discovering Johnson Space Center and ‘Space City’

The pandemic had a huge impact on the world of work, especially with onboarding practices and getting employees acquainted to their new job. In the past couple years, many new faces have been brought to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, but with COVID-19 circulating, new employees were not able to meet their teammates in person or get to know the Houston area. It is important for overall health to find connection in the area we live in, where we work, and who we work with.

But first, a little bit about Houston!

• Houston is the fourth most populous city in the nation, so it’s no wonder it can be overwhelming to explore and make new friends.
• Houston is also the most ethnically diverse metropolitan area in the nation and has one of the best culinary scenes.
• Houston is home to the largest medical center in the world.
• The Houston Galleria is the largest mall in Texas.
• Around 145 languages are spoken in Houston.
• Houston ranks as the third most humid city and is prone to hurricanes, thunderstorms, and tornadoes.

Food is often a source of connection to one’s culture, family, and friends. It only makes sense to explore the cuisine Houston has to offer! The Houston area often hosts food festivals all over the city that allow spectators to try a variety of foods. Coffee and tea fanatics will be pleased to find many local shops serving unique flavors. Barbecue is found on virtually every corner.

Arts and culture are a major selling point for Houston. The Theater District boasts a major symphony, ballet, opera, and theater companies.

Houston’s museum district near Hermann Park and the Texas Medical Center is home to a variety of museums that Johnson employees can enjoy. There is a Houston Center for Photography, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, and much more. Closer to home, explore space at Johnson's official visitor center, Space Center Houston.

What you see, hear, and experience in nature has a huge impact on your mood and overall well-being. Even if the time spent outside is only for a few minutes to a few hours, time in nature can help relieve anxiety, depression, and stress. There are endless opportunities for sunlight and outdoor exploration in the Houston area. Hermann Park is a 445-acre urban park situated near Rice University and the Museum District. The Hermann Park Conservancy has received numerous awards for its efforts in the maintenance and restoration of the area. Emancipation Park, the oldest park in Texas, which was also originally purchased by formerly enslaved people, served as the only park and pool for African Americans until the 1950s. Buffalo Bayou Park is a perfect spot for picnics, exercise, and leisure activities, as it sits on a 160-acre lot.

Everyone needs a getaway, even from a large city like Houston. Take a trip to Galveston Island to visit the Moody Gardens Aquarium, Pleasure Pier, or its 19th century historic district, The Strand. You can also visit Fredericksburg, a German-influenced town with peach-picking opportunities and a historic downtown strip — just three-and-a-half hours away. A three-hour drive to Wimberly provides a wide array of outdoor activities, local markets, and wineries.

Here are some tips for new transplants to create a connection to Johnson and the Houston area:

Like Houston, Johnson is fortunate to have a variety of individuals from different geographic locations, skillsets, and interests. As a result, Employee Resource Groups, or ERGs, started as a grassroots initiative to create connection among employees with similar areas of interest. ERGs aim to create an inclusive environment where employees experience belonging and value. Some ERGs include the African American Employee Resource Group (AAERG), Out & Allied, Greening & Restoring Our World (GROW), and the Connected Veterans ERG (ConVERG) — but there are even more. Check out the options at Johnson.

Sometimes we find connections with others during moments of difficulty. The Johnson and White Sands Employee Assistance Program (EAP) office holds virtual groups for people to connect on various topics, such as grief/loss, parenting, caregiving, and morning mindfulness. The EAP also offers workshops on mental health, stress management, and assertiveness. Reach out to the EAP if you would like to learn more 281-483-6130 or jsc-employeeassistanceprogram@mail.nasa.gov.

These suggestions can serve as starting points to navigate the center and Houston. Feel free to share with others your own tips on transitioning to the life of a Houstonian.

T-38s fly over Houston during the Super Bowl 51 NFL Live event grand opening at Discovery Green. Credits: NASA/James Blair