Sally Kristen Ride

"Dr. Ride applied to the astronaut program after reading an ad in a newspaper. More than 8,000 men and women applied to the space program that year. Of the 35 individuals accepted, six were women. One was Sally Ride" (Dejoie Joyce and Elizabeth). As this was her first step closer to be in NASA, this became a milestone in her career. Sally Ride was born on May 26, 1951 in Los Angeles, California. At Stanford University, Ride studied astronomy, physics, and English. On June 18, 1983, Ride flew in the shuttle, Challenger, expressing her accomplishment to becoming the first American woman to fly in space. When Sally Ride retired, she became a special assistant to NASA's administrator, a director at the California Space Studies Institute, and an author of children's books (Dejoie Joyce and Elizabeth; Sally Kristen Ride. Science). Although women were still not treated equal, Sally Ride is a hero because she is a pioneer in being the first woman in space, is persistent and is dedicated to education.

Ride knew women could do the same thing men can do. “Entering the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an astronaut candidate in 1978, Ride trained to become an astronaut and worked as part of the ground crew for two shuttle missions before being given the opportunity to travel into space” (Sally Ride. Scientists). No matter what people said about women, Ride took part in the space program and became the first woman to fly in space. This gives confidence toward women to recognize that they are as equal as men. “She read about NASA's call for astronauts in the Stanford University paper. More than 8,000 men and women applied to the space program that year. 35 were accepted, six of whom were women. One was Sally Ride” (Sally Kristen Ride | First). Ever since Ride grew up, her attraction towards astronomy encouraged her to apply for NASA. This gave her the opportunity to do what women are not usually allowed to do. When she was accepted, she had to go through interviews and examinations to see her abilities.

Ride's persistence led to her accomplishments and development to astronomy. "Ride studied navigation, physics, astronomy, mathematics, meteorology, and computers. She encountered other rigorous training exercises as well. Ride and the other members of her program underwent physical training to ready their bodies for potential space flight" (Sally Ride. Scientists). Her commitment toward these assignments shows how she pushed herself to study and practice in order to understand more about space. Her actions inspire others to do their best upon challenges in relation to how she strived for success. Ride practiced all she could while training. Some exercises she performed when practicing were, "parachute jumping, water survival, gravity and weightlessness training, radio communications and navigation" (Sally Kristen Ride | First). Sally Ride had a long way to go, however she continued to struggle with great effort. Many skills helped Ride when she departed into space. This is why Ride's strong ability is her persistence.

She is dedicated as an educator to young children to the math and sciences. For example, "She moved to NASA headquarters in Washington, D.C., and became an assistant to the NASA administrator for long-range planning. In this position, Ride published a report, Leadership and America's Future in Space, in which she made suggestions for the future of the NASA space program" (Sally Ride. Scientists). Her suggestions and help in NASA improved safety issues and dangers in the future. Also when risking others' lives, Ride lowered the risk of disaster during space flight, such as the tragedy of space shuttle, Challenger. She also encouraged young audiences interested in science. "Her most recent enterprise is Sally Ride Science, an organization founded to provide support for all the girls who are, or might become, interested in science, math and technology...Ride has written and/or collaborated on five children's books, To Space and Back, Voyager: An Adventure to the Edge of the Solar System, The Third Planet: Exploring the Earth from Space, The Mystery of Mars, and Exploring Our Solar System"( Sally Kristen Ride | First). Her guidance towards these organizations help kids prosper into a subject they enjoy. Children' books she published is an example of exposing science to kids at a young age so they may have an interest in the subject. Her experience allows others to understand how hard it took to reach her dream. Even now, her experience continues to spread.

Sally Ride's dream to become an astronaut had been a long journey. Ride fulfilled her dreams because of her persistence and support. Her determination helped her get better every time she went on a mission. When her life as an astronaut ended, she still continued to inspire others through kids' books and the spread of her story. Sally Ride inspires me to put much effort into getting out of my problems and to never give up easily. Although there are many roadblocks at times, I don't wait for the obstacle to disappear. Her acts showed me to get past that roadblock by taking my first step or action. Ride and I have different goals, but I look up to her as a role model which inspires me to focus on my education and future occupation. Not only her acts, but her life show others that anything is possible with high hopes and goals.