Mae Jemison is a doctor, an engineer and a former NASA astronaut. In 1992, she became the first Black woman to travel into space. Her story offers many life lessons from Mae Jemison that anyone can use, no matter what career they choose.
This article explains who she is and five lessons from her journey.
Who Is Mae Jemison?
Mae Carol Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama, in 1956, and she grew up in Chicago. She studied at Stanford University, where she earned degrees in chemical engineering and in African and African-American studies. She then earned a medical degree from Cornell University.
From 1983 to 1985, she worked as a medical officer for the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone and Liberia. She is also known for speaking several languages, including Russian, Japanese and Swahili.
Becoming an Astronaut
After Sally Ride became the first American woman in space in 1983, Jemison decided to apply to NASA’s astronaut program. She was accepted in June 1987, and became the first Black woman to join the astronaut training program.
On September 12, 1992, she flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour as a science mission specialist on mission STS-47. The mission was the first joint space flight between the United States and Japan.
During about eight days in space, the crew carried out dozens of science experiments. Jemison helped with bone cell research. She spent about 190 hours in space during her only flight.
Life After NASA
Jemison left NASA in 1993 and started a technology research company. She later set up an educational foundation. In 2012, her foundation won the bid to lead the 100 Year Starship project, which supports long-term research toward human travel beyond our solar system.
She has also written children’s books and appeared as an actor in a 1993 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
5 Life Lessons From Mae Jemison
1. Follow More Than One Interest
Jemison did not stick to one narrow path. She studied engineering, medicine and languages, and cared about arts and culture too. These different interests helped her stand out.
The lesson: You do not have to choose only one thing. Wide interests can make you a stronger thinker.
2. Take Your Dreams Seriously Early
Jemison wanted to explore space from a young age, even when few people around her pictured a Black woman as an astronaut. She kept that dream and worked toward it step by step.
The lesson: A big goal is easier to reach when you start working toward it early, and when you do not let others set your limits.
3. Notice When a Door Opens, and Walk Through
Ride’s flight in 1983 showed that more opportunities were opening for women at NASA. Jemison saw that, and she applied.
The lesson: Pay attention to changes around you. When a door opens, be ready to try, even if you are afraid.
4. Use Your Skills to Serve Others
Before becoming an astronaut, Jemison spent two years caring for people in West Africa. She did not wait for fame to make a difference.
The lesson: Helping others builds character and perspective. It can also strengthen your own skills.
5. Open the Door for the Next Generation
Jemison started programs to encourage young people in science. One example is “The Earth We Share”, a science camp for teenagers.
The lesson: Success feels bigger when you share it. Teaching, mentoring and encouraging others can be your lasting legacy.
Standing on the Shoulders of Pioneers
Jemison’s flight was possible partly because of earlier trailblazers. For example, Mary Jackson became NASA’s first Black female engineer decades earlier, and Katherine Johnson helped calculate flight paths for early missions.
Together, these women changed who could work in space science.
Learn More
For more details on her career, you can read the biography on Space.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mae Jemison?
She is an American physician, engineer and former NASA astronaut who became the first Black woman to travel into space.
When did Mae Jemison go to space?
She flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour from September 12 to 20, 1992, on mission STS-47.
What did Mae Jemison do after NASA?
She founded a technology research company, started an educational foundation, and led the 100 Year Starship project.
Was Mae Jemison on Star Trek?
Yes. She appeared in a 1993 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Conclusion
Mae Jemison’s life teaches us to follow many interests, take dreams seriously, step through open doors, serve others and help the next generation.
Choose one of these life lessons from Mae Jemison and try it this week. Even a small step can move you closer to your own big goal.