But when I wasn't working, I was usually at a window looking down at Earth.
Sally RideRead
The fact that I was going to be the first American woman to go into space carried huge expectations along with it.
Interpretation
Sally Ride's quote highlights the pressure and expectations that come with pioneering achievements.
In this quote, Sally Ride reflects on her historic journey as the first American woman in space, acknowledging the immense pressure that accompanied such a groundbreaking role. This statement encapsulates the dual reality of achieving a significant milestone; while it serves as an inspiration to many, it also comes with the weight of expectations from society and future generations.
In practice
During a keynote speech at a women's leadership conference.
But when I wasn't working, I was usually at a window looking down at Earth.
When the space shuttle's engines cut off, and you're finally in space, in orbit, weightless... I remember unstrapping from my seat, floating over to the window, and that's when I got my first view of Earth. Just a spectacular view, and a chance to see our planet as a planet.
All adventures, especially into new territory, are scary.
I did not come to NASA to make history.
Yes, I did feel a special responsibility to be the first American woman in space.
Even though NASA tries to simulate launch, and we practice in simulators, it's not the same - it's not even close to the same.
I call on all scientists in all countries to cease and desist from work creating, developing, improving and manufacturing further nuclear weapons - and, for that matter, other weapons of potential mass destruction such as chemical and biological weapons.
Disease is not something personal and special, but only a manifestation of life under modified conditions, operating according to the same laws as apply to the living body at all times, from the first moment until death.
We are survival machines β robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes. This is a truth which still fills me with astonishment.
To learn more about science, turn off your electronic device and go outside and look around a bit. Nature is calling you. Go on. The internet will still be here.
Mathematics is not only real, but it is the only reality.
My whole interest is, how do you use evolution as an innovation engine? How does evolution solve new problems that life faces? And to have a system that can create a whole new chemical bond that biology hasn't done before, to me, demonstrates the power of nature to innovate.
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