First African American Female Astronaut Inspires Philadelphia Students
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia public school had a very special visitor on Wednesday, who brought an unusual message to motivate students. The Kearney School, in Northern Liberties, hosted the first African-American woman in space.
Dr. Mae Jemison is the prize in a contest called "Win a Day with Mae," sponsored by Bayer, to encourage science in schools. Kearney, with its arts-infused curriculum, might seem an unlikely winner but the astronaut's message made clear why it was the perfect choice.
"I wanted to be a dancer, I wanted to be an astronaut, I wanted to be an artist, I wanted to be a teacher, I wanted to be an architect, I wanted to do a restaurant..." Jemison explained to the students.
It wasn't about picking a career in science.
"I'm going to tell you: Choose the kind of person you intend to be. Find those qualities that you want to be and work on those," Jemison said.
Principal Daniel Kurtz hoped the visit would be inspiring.
"This is, for so many of the students in there, a moment that is going to make a difference for them," Kurtz said.
"She inspired me to become more than what I ever thought I would like to become," 6th grader Lyric Gregory said.