Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison posing for article about her efforts encouraging women to strive for great futures.info.umkc.edu 

“As one historian wrote: ‘No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is but the biography of great men’" (Harper). Charles Harper describes in his essay “How Should We Choose a Hero?” the significance of heroes: who they are, what they say about us, and how they shape our history. There are great men throughout every age and there are reasons as to why they are remembered as great, or even heroic. Historically, men have been the heroes because of their physical strength as warriors. However, because of societal change, both men and women can be seen as heroes today. How people choose their heroes depends on the current society’s values and definition of heroism. So, what traits in great people do we value enough to make us see them as heroes? Heroism is acting with an intent to help others in need. Today, heroism is primarily seen in movies or fantasies, and while they are not the everyday human, they embody valued traits of determination, courageousness, compassion, integrity, and honor. Heroes display these traits time and time again as a reflection of their beliefs to help those in need. A similar ideology is used when looking at our human heroes. They may not be superior in a supernatural way, but they become superior and heroic by exhibiting valued character traits illustrated through the actions of superheroes. Men and women that are the heroes of this era epitomize those valued character traits. Deserving heroes should be determined to achieve their goals and compassionate to others who need to help as their way to help to contribute to better and fix society.

Mae Jemison at her graduation ceremony from Stanford.peacecorpsonline.orgOne such hero who embodies both determination and compassion, and will be immortalized in history, is Mae Jemison. Mae Jemison was born October 17, 1956, in Decatur, Alabama, the youngest of three children. At the age of three, to make sure Jemison and her siblings were well-educated, Jemison and her family moved to Chicago, Illinois for the better school systems. Jemison’s interest in astronomy and the sciences began at an early age, which led her to want to become an astronaut later in life. After graduating from high school, Jemison attended Stanford University and Cornell University Medical College. She was later selected by NASA to train to become an astronaut and eventually became the first black woman in space. Jemison continued to contribute to society through the establishment of foundations and companies after her time at NASA, and she received many awards for her efforts. Heroes must not only feel compassion for others and want to aid to the best of their ability but also be determined and resolved to accomplish their goals and dreams. Throughout her life, Jemison had to fight to achieve her goals, such as her goal to venture into space, when she grew up during a time full of discrimination. Despite this and other obstacles she had to face, she went on to accomplish her dreams and beyond. While remaining dedicated to her goals, Jemison still maintained her love for humanity. Because of her compassion and philanthropic efforts to help people of developing countries and her determination to overcome challenges and barriers that confronted black women, Mae Jemison is a hero.

Jemison’s compassion towards the less fortunate through her humanitarian endeavors illustrates her philanthropy and hero to those in need. After studying at Stanford, Jemison continued to Cornell where she traveled between semesters to learn more about the field, the world, and the African culture: “Upon graduation, she entered Cornell University Medical College to work toward a medical degree. During her years there, she found time to expand her horizons by visiting and studying in Cuba and Kenya and working at a Cambodian refugee camp in Thailand” ("Mae Jemison." Notable Women Scientists). Cuba and Kenya are developing countries with less developed industries and systems, and refugee camps, such as the one Jemison visits in Cambodia, are crowded, dirty, and contaminated with disease. Jemison chooses to go to these places and to help the people there. She uses her abilities and knowledge to help those who otherwise may not receive the medical treatment necessary. Jemison’s aid to these people and the connection she feels reflects her compassion towards humanity the way a true hero does. In addition, after leaving NASA, Jemison felt the need to help contribute to society based both on her experiences and her abilities. The Jemison Group Incorporated was founded with the intention to help developing countries and the people of that country. The services the company provides are meant to improve lives for those people: “Jemison started The Jemison Group, Inc. a technology consulting firm integrating critical socio-cultural issues into the design of engineering and science projects, such as satellite technology for health care delivery and solar dish Stirling engine electricity in developing countries” (“Dr. Mae Jemison – Dorothy Jemison”).  Jemison’s founding of incorporation shows that her ideas and values drive the company, and what the company does under her management is an extension of her own actions. Because these deeds are focused on helping the less fortunate in the developing world, Jemison’s compassion toward those people is seen through the company’s aid to them. Compassion toward those who need the help portray Jemison as a hero through her actions in the developing world.

Mae Jemison during her interview for the 25th anniversary of her mission in space.observer.comJemison’s resolve in her beliefs made her determined to overcome obstacles in order to prevail. Jemison, a former NASA astronaut, grew up when opportunities were few and,  as a woman or a person of color, stereotypes decided most of your future. Despite knowing this, Jemison had an unusual dream for her future: “From the time she was a youngster, Jemison was very interested in astronomy and space. She always believed she would one day travel in space, despite the fact that until recently there were no Black or female astronauts” ("Mae Jemison" Astronomy & Space: From the Big Bang to the Big Crunch). Even when Jemison was a kid, she knew that she wanted to go to space, even if no one of her color or sex had done so yet. However, despite the lack of precedent, Jemison still became an astronaut, and the first black female to do so. Jemison believed in her dream to become an astronaut and was resolute to succeed. She fought to achieve her dream throughout her life and broke societal barriers, showing her determination to achieve her goal. There was opposition along the way, but she defended her beliefs like a hero. Jemison’s determination is also evident in her reflection about change in society. Jemison writes about her childhood and moments from her life, and, as she grows, she realizes what needs to be done to beneficially change the prejudice in the government: “Even though I am a person who at the beginning of this narration would not have been recognized as a full person - slaves were not counted and women had no right to vote - I realize that the failure, the wrong was in the individuals, and not the basic philosophy I have the right and responsibility to expand that philosophy and work to make it manifest. We all do” (Jemison 57). Jemison recognizes the inequality towards slaves and women along with the cause: people. Individuals in the government follow the government’s philosophy, but when they see injustice, they still do not act for wholesome change. Jemison believes that it is everyone’s responsibility to act towards change, including herself. This sense of responsibility reflects the determination to act and make a change by confronting the flaws in people and impact the government. This confrontation is heroic in the attempt to help those who would not stand up for themselves. The determination Jemison exhibits through her overcoming obstacles to represent her beliefs illustrate heroic actions.

Mae Jemison, the first female African American in space, during her mission.space.comMae Jemison’s actions, such as her philanthropic efforts to help people in developing countries showed her compassion and her determination is seen in her overcoming of challenges and barriers, portray her as a hero. Jemison’s aid to those in the developing world with medical and technological assistance during her world travel and the establishment of Jemison Group Inc. illustrates her kindness towards others and makes her a hero. Also, the resolve in her decisions makes her determined to achieve her beliefs, despite societal obstacles, show heroic action. I believe Mae Jemison is an inspiration because she is an example of making her own way and deciding what she wants to do herself. Despite the hardships that may result from decisions, all of the decisions we have to make should be our own: “What we decide to do with our talents is up to each one of us and is based on our view of life and our desires.” (Jemison 168-169). Jemison is explaining how our decisions are our own because we know what is best for ourselves. We are in charge of our lives and know ourselves better than anyone else. I have taken this idea to heart by making sure that I make my own decisions based on what I know about myself. This impact is seen in my time management with my study habits, which is very important as a student-athlete. Previously, there were things that I had to sacrifice due to time. I would always complete my work, but the hours I would work was whenever I could and it was not always to my health’s benefit. Now, I plan my work in a way that I know I will benefit and be able to go above and beyond, so I can achieve my goals of success in both academics and sports. Every day brings something new, and the actions of that day contribute to what the future can be as each passing day becomes history. Jemison’s actions everyday reflected who she was and who she became; let what you do with your life contribute to the shaping of history to earn your place among the stars.

Works Cited

“Dr. Mae Jemison – Dorothy Jemison.” Dorothy Jemison, Dorothy Jemison Foundation, jemisonfoundation.org/about/mae-jemison/.

Harper, Charles F. “How Should We Choose a Hero?” MY HERO, The My Hero Project Inc., myhero.com/Forum/Browse/harper?topicId=1.

Jemison, Mae C. Find Where the Wind Goes: Moments From My Life. Scholastic, 2003.

"Mae Jemison." Astronomy & Space: From the Big Bang to the Big Crunch, Gale, 2008.

"Mae Jemison." Notable Women Scientists, Gale, 2009. Biography in Context.