Tani humbly shared that his journey included some challenges, but he learned from those tough times. The most difficult challenge recently was losing his mother.
Rose Tani was killed in an accident when Tani was still in space.
Today the school named a lilac garden in Tani's name for his accomplishments and in memory of his mother.
"Very touched. It's really nice if they're going to plant a garden and it's exactly what -- the way my mom would have wanted it. So it's perfect. I'm very touched," said Tani.
"When you have somebody who goes off and accomplishes so much, it just makes things very special," said Jim Carter, Glenbard East H.S.
"He came from these very halls and sitting in these exact same places. It lets us know that we can accomplish anything we want to," said Aliya Bagewadi, student
"Having someone from your same high school showing you what he's become and the achievements, it gives the inspiration and wants me to become something and gives me the hope and the passion, like, I know I can do something now," said Eamon Conter, student.
