Posted on November 12 2019
Sally Ride - American astronaut and physicist
Trailblazer and Pioneer!
Math was her favorite subject in school, but she had a deep interest in astronomy and physical science. Sally was quoted as saying “For a long time, society put obstacles in the way of women who wanted to enter the sciences.” Despite, and in spite of, these obstacles, she joined NASA in 1978 and became the first American woman in space in 1983. Sally retired from NASA in 1987 as not only the first American woman in space she was also the youngest American, male or female, in space at the age of 32.
Lifetime of Leadership!
Sally went on to become a professor of physics at the University of California (San Diego), and led NASA’s first strategic planning effort authoring a report titled “NASA Leadership and American’s Future in Space.” She founded the educational company Sally Ride Science to help inspire women and minorities to enter and stick with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). She was also the author of six acclaimed children’s science books.
Sally is quoted as saying “Studying whether there’s life on Mars or studying how the universe began, there’s something magical about pushing back the frontiers of knowledge. That’s something that is almost part of being human, and I’m certain that will continue." She also said, “Girls need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose, just so they can picture themselves doing those jobs someday. You can’t be what you can’t see.”
It's about the journey, not Sally!
Sally rarely allowed attention to be focused on herself. She denied all requests for licenses to sell any merchandise with her name or picture. Sally rarely granted interviews and she avoided the spotlight. She once told reporters, “It’s too bad this is such a big deal. It’s too bad our society isn’t further along.”
But if you are like me and you think the whole astronaut gig sounds pretty sweet and see that Sally was a remarkable person, here are a few quotes from Sally herself:
The world and our perceptions have changed a lot, even since the ’70s, but there are lingering stereotypes. If you ask an 11-year-old to draw a scientist, she’s likely to draw a geeky guy with a pocket protector. That’s just not an image an 11-year-old girl aspires to.
When you’re getting ready to launch into space, you’re sitting on a big explosion just waiting to happen.
On the view from space:
She wouldn’t blow her own trumpet, but I will!
Among Sally’s numerous achievements:
- First American woman in space
- Youngest American in space
- Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the US
- Received the Samuel S. Beard Award for Great Public Service by an Individual 35 Years or Under
- Inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame
- Has a US Navy oceanographic research vessel named after her, RV Sally Ride
- US Postal Service issued a first-class postage stamp honoring her in 2018
- Held a PhD in physics at a time when only 3% of physics doctoral candidates were women
Sally’s Legacy
Sally’s legacy continues in the Sally Ride Science at UC San Diego nonprofit. The nonprofit continues her legacy in K12 STEM + Arts (STEaM) education, professional development for teachers, and online programs. The organization continues to offer its acclaimed book series, Cool Careers in STEM, which profiles women and men in STEM fields.
In 2019, Mattel honored her by creating the Barbie Inspiring Women Series Sally Ride Doll.
Sally Ride dared to be the person she was, the person she wanted to be. She is a tremendous example for all of us who dare to be.
Reference (and to learn more)
https://sallyridescience.ucsd.edu/
https://prospect.org/article/astronaut-sally-ride-and-burden-being-first
https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/sally-ride/
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