Growing up, I was one of the original enthusiasts of Star Trek. I recall those magical days vividly—rushing home each week at the age of 10 to immerse myself in the stunning universe of space exploration that the show promised. My imagination took flight, envisioning a future among the stars. Then, at 13, NASA made history with the moon landing. I still remember Neil Armstrong’s iconic words—”one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” In that moment, my passion ignited like a comet blazing through the dark void of space.
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My academic path led me to study medicine, always with an eye toward becoming an astronaut. In 1990, when I was about 34, I received the life-changing news that I had been selected for the astronaut program. It seemed like a distant dream that had suddenly landed at my feet, akin to catching a falling star.
Over the next four years, I made two journeys into space and became the first Black man to do so. A remarkable achievement, yes, but one that also came with sacrifices. Did you ever consider what it truly costs to chase your dreams?
The Toll on Family
Many are surprised to learn that the space shuttle weighs an astounding 5 million pounds. To lift that metal giant into the cosmos, we ignite five engines generating a staggering 7.5 million pounds of thrust. Just imagine that moment—a breathtaking departure from Earth, feeling weightless as I left my earthly ties behind.
I still think back to my first mission. My daughter was only 8 months old at the time. While I was soaring among the stars, her mother—my unwavering partner—shouldered the immense responsibility of nurturing our little girl as well as my three stepchildren. Often, I found myself questioning: How do we balance our dreams with our duties at home?
When the countdown reached zero, and it was time to launch, my family watched from a distance, their emotions palpable—an admixture of excitement and anxiety. Inside the shuttle, however, my focus was singular; my mind was a well-oiled machine, working to ensure everything unfolded perfectly. Did I compartmentalize too much? Perhaps, but I had little room for doubt in those critical moments.
Finding Peace in the Void
Then came the impactful moment when I opened the hatch for my first spacewalk. Initially, I felt a jolt—was I falling? But, as my brain adjusted, I embraced the buoyant silence of space. What does it feel like to float weightlessly and surrender to the cosmos?
Suspended above the shuttle, 35 feet high, I gazed down at both the craft and the Earth, a swirling blue marble hanging in the vast blackness of the universe. Surrounding me was the most breathtaking view of the Milky Way galaxy—I felt awash in tranquility. Did you know that space is utterly silent? With no air to carry sound, it offers an ethereal serenity, a sensation I had longed for yet found beyond my expectations.
This silence surrounded me like a warm embrace. It was more than a moment; it was an experience of profound peace, one I had yearned for throughout my life.
Inspiring Future Generations
The year after my spacewalk, I made the conscious choice to leave NASA. But my journey didn’t end there. I continued to engage with the space industry while practicing medicine in community clinics. Why? Because giving back holds immense importance for me.
My journey is a testament to possibilities, particularly for people of color who have often been underrepresented in fields like aerospace. Part of my mission is to translate my experiences into opportunities so that others can follow in my footsteps.
To further this vision, I founded The Harris Foundation, aiming to create pathways along three critical pillars: education, health, and wealth. Let’s pause for a moment—how many lives could change with access to such fundamental resources?
Health, in particular, is a priority for me. As a physician, I wholeheartedly believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare. To achieve true equality within the American dream, we must foster wealth—not just for oneself but for future generations. My family lived a life of struggle when I was younger, yet I’ve managed to build a life of abundance. I aspire to empower others to do the same.
Education is the bedrock of this vision. My father’s education was limited to the 11th grade, yet my mother’s college degree opened doors to opportunities that changed not just her life, but mine as well. Without that education, I often wonder: would I have been able to chase my dreams? I’ve witnessed firsthand how education can reshape lives, altering not just individual trajectories, but the destinies of entire families.
I invite you to reflect on your own journey. What dreams are you working toward? How can you help others along the way?
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire a new generation of dreamers and doers, reminding them that the sky is not the limit; it’s just the beginning.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
