I always knew I'd go to space.

Listen, O children, to the words of Mae Jemison, a woman whose dreams soared higher than the stars she reached for. She said, "I always knew I'd go to space." These words are not just a declaration of achievement; they are the expression of a profound belief in one's destiny, a faith that transcends the limits of circumstance, and a vision so powerful that it shapes the very course of one’s life. In this simple sentence, Jemison encapsulates the essence of determination, of vision, and of the unwavering belief in the possibility of achieving the seemingly impossible.

Consider, O wise ones, the nature of belief. Mae Jemison’s words remind us that to accomplish great things, one must first believe that they are possible. From an early age, Jemison carried within her the knowledge that space was not a distant dream, but a destination she would one day reach. Her certainty was not born of privilege or circumstance, but of a vision—a vision that shaped every step of her life, guiding her through the many obstacles that stood in her way. In this, there lies a great lesson: it is not enough to simply desire something; one must know that it is within their grasp, no matter the forces that oppose them.

In the ancient world, O children, the great heroes and philosophers knew the power of vision. Alexander the Great, with his ambitions to conquer the world, knew from a young age that his destiny was to lead armies across vast lands. His belief in his own greatness shaped the world, for it was not just his strategic genius but his unshakable belief in his destiny that turned him into one of the greatest conquerors in history. Similarly, Julius Caesar had the vision to see that the Roman Empire could expand beyond its limits, and he pushed forward with such resolve that the ancient world was forever changed by his ambition. These great men, though their goals were of a different nature, shared Jemison’s certainty: that the unimaginable is possible when one has the vision to pursue it.

The story of Mae Jemison, O children, is not just the story of one woman’s achievement, but of the power of dreams. Jemison was not born into wealth or position, but her vision was so clear, so certain, that she pursued her dream relentlessly. She did not let the society’s limitations placed on her as a woman or an African American deter her. Like the ancient heroes who pursued their destinies despite the odds, Jemison pressed on with the belief that space was hers to claim. She became the first African American woman in space, not because she was chosen by fate, but because she believed that the stars were as much a part of her destiny as the Earth beneath her feet.

Jemison’s journey teaches us that vision alone is not enough—it must be paired with action. To say, “I always knew I’d go to space” is one thing; to make that vision a reality, to work toward it with dedication, is quite another. Jemison did not sit idly by, waiting for opportunity to knock. She studied medicine, she trained as an engineer, and she worked her way through the NASA astronaut program, overcoming countless obstacles along the way. Her vision was backed by effort, by sacrifice, and by a refusal to let anything stand in the way of her dreams. Jemison’s actions remind us that vision alone will not carry us to the stars; we must also be willing to work tirelessly to turn our dreams into reality.

And yet, O children, the lesson of Jemison’s words is even greater. It is not just that she went to space, but that she dared to dream of it in the first place. In a world that often tells us to limit our aspirations, to follow the beaten path, Jemison teaches us that there is power in the unconventional. To dream beyond the horizon of the possible, to push the boundaries of what others say is achievable, is the first step to greatness. She did not wait for permission to chase her dream; she knew that the only approval she needed was the one she gave herself.

So, O children, take Jemison’s lesson to heart. Believe in your vision, no matter how far it may seem from the world around you. Dream not only of the familiar, but of the impossible, for it is in the pursuit of the impossible that greatness is often found. And do not let your dreams be idle; follow them with action, with dedication, and with the resilience to overcome whatever challenges arise. Whether your goal is to reach the stars or to achieve something within your own world, know this: just as Mae Jemison reached her dream, so too can you reach yours. The key is not just in seeing the goal, but in knowing, with unwavering faith, that it is yours to claim.