Overcoming Adversity: My Journey to Success and Rocket Science

No matter the circumstances you were born into or the challenges you have faced, you always have the power to find a way out and create success for yourself. This is a lesson I learned firsthand in my own life.

Growing up, I watched college students heading to campus and wondered, “Where are they going? What are they doing? Why do they look different from everyone else in the neighborhood?” My mother always said, “To change your circumstances, you need to get an education.” That advice stuck with me. Despite the difficulties, I knew I had to educate myself and earn a degree.

I saw the students at a nearby school, situated in a well-off area, with their books, paper, and nice shoes. In contrast, my neighborhood was marked by graffiti and trash. I constantly asked myself, “What makes the difference? Why do some people end up in better situations than others?” It boiled down to one thing: our thinking. Our thoughts shape our reality. When we can change our thinking, we can change our lives.

I struggled academically, failing algebra, geometry, calculus, and chemistry. But one winter break, a calculus teacher offered tutoring sessions. Expecting a crowd, I was surprised to be the only one there. This one-on-one time allowed me to ask questions and truly understand calculus for the first time. I realized my fear of failure had been holding me back. Once I faced that fear, I discovered I was capable of more than I thought.

My breakthrough came when I shifted my mindset. Failure was no longer something to fear, but a stepping stone to success. This new perspective gave me the confidence to persevere. Helping others with their math struggles also helped me. It became a teamwork effort, and I became one of the most popular students on campus because of it.

This confidence carried me through to the top of my class, opening doors to launching rockets. Being a woman and a person of color in a predominantly different field required me to think differently. I had to excel to make a lasting impact. This mindset, coupled with my mathematical skills, empowered me to break barriers.

Launching rockets taught me the power of our thoughts. The same math principles used to send rockets to Mars can reshape our brains. Every decision we make has the potential to change our thinking and unleash our power. Choosing thoughts that align with our goals is crucial.

Expectations from mentors, parents, and teachers play a significant role. Without encouragement, it’s hard to see your own potential. But when someone believes in you, it can change everything. Just like in rocket science, where we envision the worst-case scenario to prevent it, we must visualize our fears to overcome them.

Working in rocket science allowed me to observe genius minds. I learned that anyone, at any age, can develop a genius brain. Every decision reshapes our brain, making it more powerful. It’s essential to be aware of our choices and how they impact our goals.

From a young age, I decided to change my circumstances and leave a positive mark. For those in STEM fields, your ability to see the big picture and communicate important concepts is invaluable. If you have the opportunity to pursue STEM, embrace it. Your unique perspective is needed now more than ever.