One Black woman whose life and work have deeply inspired me is Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel in space. Her journey embodies a powerful narrative of perseverance, intelligence, and breaking barriers. From a young age, Dr. Jemison displayed a remarkable curiosity about the world around her and a determination to pursue her dreams, despite facing numerous obstacles along the way. Growing up in Chicago during the 1960s and 70s, Dr. Jemison was exposed to the racial and gender inequalities prevalent in society. However, she refused to let these obstacles get in the way of her potential. Instead, she embraced her passion for science and space exploration, setting her sights on a goal that seemed unfathomable to many at the time: becoming an astronaut. Dr. Jemison's journey to space was not without its challenges. She encountered skepticism and discrimination as she pursued her education and career in STEM fields. Yet, she remained undeterred, earning degrees in chemical engineering and African American studies from Stanford University and later obtaining her medical degree from Cornell University. Her determination and resilience paid off when she was selected as one of 15 candidates out of over 2,000 applicants to join NASA's astronaut program. In 1992, Dr. Jemison made history when she became the first Black woman to travel in space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Dr. Jemison's achievement not only shattered barriers but also served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless individuals, particularly women and people of color, who dared to dream beyond the confines of societal expectations. Her journey has taught me valuable lessons about the power of perseverance, resilience, and self-belief in the face of adversity. As I reflect on Dr. Jemison's remarkable journey, I am reminded of the importance of pushing boundaries and pursuing my goals with unwavering determination. Her story inspires me to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and never lose sight of my dreams, no matter how difficult they seem. In my own journey, I strive to embody Dr. Jemison's spirit of fearlessness and innovation. As I pursue my goals in college and beyond, I draw inspiration from her example of breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. I am committed to using my platform to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields, following in Dr. Jemison's footsteps as a trailblazer. Dr. Mae Jemison's pioneering spirit and trailblazing achievements continue to inspire me to reach for the stars, both literally and figuratively. Her legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the limitless potential that lies within each of us, regardless of our background or circumstances. By embracing her example and embodying her principles, I am confident that I can overcome any obstacle and achieve my goals, while also paving the way for others to follow in my footsteps

I've always known I wanted to be an aerospace engineer, but it wasn't until about middle school that I realized many women, let alone black women aren't in this profession. In my hometown, I'm vice president of our NSBE Jr. Not only that but I'm also the only girl in it. The others are people I consider new friends of mine but it's difficult because they've known each other their whole lives and I'm new to the group. There's nothing wrong with them being friends before they met me. I'm okay with that but I'm glad that I could be the one to give them different perspectives because since they're all friends they all tend to agree with each other anyway. I'm glad I could be a person that can count on to voice my opinion instead of just going along with whatever it is that they say. When I moved to a new school, I was bullied and laughed at for no reason. Because of this, I never wanted to say anything or do anything because I was afraid it would be the wrong thing and get laughed at even more. When I got to middle school, I realized something. I realized that I couldn't go through life worrying about what people think of me for what I had to say. It's my opinion, I deserve the chance to express it. Speaking one's opinions is important because it allows individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and perspectives. It promotes open communication, encourages critical thinking, and fosters a sense of individuality. When people share their opinions, it can lead to meaningful discussions, the exchange of diverse viewpoints, and the possibility of finding common ground. Even if someone doesn't believe what you're saying, it's good to get your opinions out because they might be useful later on. It also helps to create a more inclusive and democratic society where everyone's voice is heard and valued. Another benefit of continuously expressing opinions is that it can lead to personal growth and self-discovery. When we share our thoughts and beliefs, it allows us to reflect on our own values and perspectives. It can also help us gain insights from others and challenge our own assumptions. Plus, speaking our opinions can empower us to stand up for what we believe in and make a positive impact on the world. So, it's definitely a good thing to keep those conversations flowing. Another thing about continuously expressing opinions is that it can lead to new ideas and innovation. When people share their thoughts and perspectives, it can spark creativity and inspire others to think outside the box. It's like a big pool of ideas where everyone can contribute and build upon each other's thoughts. Who knows, maybe someone's opinion could lead to the next big breakthrough or invention. The legacy I hope to leave behind is to encourage people to use their voices. Everyone has a voice; everyone should be given a chance to use it.