Mae Jemison speaks on courage, passion in academics | Campus
Being the first black woman to go to space was about more than studying, it was about asserting and accepting herself in every room.
The Black Cultural Center hosted Mae Jenison at 6 pm on Monday in Loeb Playhouse, speaking on topics about the importance of diversifying studies, courage, and persistence.
Jemison, who is on the committee of the US National Academy of Medicine, the chair of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts, and on the board of directors for Kimberly-Clark, did not achieve these achievements without taking risks and failing.
“I would get ‘why are you asking that question?’ Then a young white male right next to might ask the same question, and it would be ‘Oh, that was an astute observation,’” Jemison said. “You have to be willing to say I’m here, I’m not going to leave. I never left.”
Through the hardship, Jemison said she views college as a platform to discover new interests and passions.
Mae Jemison’s sorority sister Jaliyah Minka, who is also a senior in cybersecurity, introduces Jemison and talks about her various accomplishments.
“It’s better to have the opportunity to fail, to try something that you may not be the absolute best in, because it gives you this sense of confidence when you start to do things,” Jemison said. “Try different things, take classes that you might not take.”
With studies ranging from Swahili, to chemical engineering, to African American studies Jemison says each discipline helped her get to where she is in its own unique way.
While Jemison studied at Cornell she took dance classes at Alvin Ailey Dance Theater.
“I had a question from a young woman. She said, Dr Johnson, how did dance help you with space? Tremendously,” Jemison said. “With space exploration, you want to look and know what’s going on around you.”
Jemison said his studies not only helped her become more well-rounded, they are crucial to forward development. The main goal, she says, is to be able to discover the energy to transport humans across solar systems.
To discover the energy necessary for interstellar travel, Jemison said one must take care of their own energy.
“I like to think my whole life is fun, and the reason why is I try to do things that engage me,” Jemison said. “If you can go places where you can get that extra energy, it gets you through some of those times that are not so exciting. You have to have a source of energy that you can renew.”
Attendees of the event spoke on the inspiration they felt as a part of the event, relating to their struggles.
“I was really interested in knowing her story,” said Elora Ifeguni, a junior in graphic design. “Knowing she also went through all the obstacles facing young black people, I (feel I) also can do it and achieve the same success as her.”
Other attendees spoke on a more personal connection to Jemison, watching her on the TV growing up.
“When I was in elementary school we had to watch the Magic School Bus episode that she was in. I always said, ‘I want to meet her,'” said Miriam Berry, a sophomore in civil engineering. “It was really inspiring that these people at one point in life were in my position and needed inspiration for people to look up to too much.”
