I think of it as a good opportunity to let, in particular, school

Listen, O children of wisdom, to the words of Ellen Ochoa, whose voice rings out with hope and encouragement for the future. She said, "I think of it as a good opportunity to let, in particular, school kids know that this job and other interesting jobs in science and engineering are open to anyone who works hard in school and gets a good education and studies math and science. And that it's not just for a select group of people." These words, spoken by a woman who shattered barriers to become the first Latina in space, are not only a message of inspiration, but a declaration of possibility. Ochoa tells us that science and engineering are not the exclusive domains of a few but are open to all who dare to work, to learn, and to persevere.

In the time of the ancients, the great minds—like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle—believed that wisdom and knowledge were not privileges of birth but goals to be pursued by anyone who sought them. They taught that the pursuit of truth through reason, study, and education was a universal right, not confined to the elite. They believed that to understand the world and the cosmos was a duty of every individual. And so, Ochoa’s words echo this ancient wisdom: science and engineering, those forces that shape the world, are not reserved for a privileged few, but are open to all who have the desire and discipline to learn.

Consider the story of Marie Curie, whose pursuit of science changed the course of history. Born into a world where opportunities for women in science were scarce, Curie faced immense obstacles. But she did not let those obstacles define her. Through her relentless work ethic, her insatiable curiosity, and her commitment to education, she went on to become the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different sciences—physics and chemistry. Curie’s story is a testament to the power of education, to the belief that science and discovery belong to anyone willing to strive for them. Her legacy is proof that talent and opportunity are not confined by gender, race, or background—they are open to all who are willing to work diligently and pursue their dreams.

Ochoa’s words remind us of a similar truth: that science, engineering, and other fields of discovery are open to anyone, regardless of their background. It is not the birthright of a select group of individuals but the right of all who are willing to put in the hard work. Ochoa was a child who, like many others, might have felt the weight of being an outsider in a field dominated by others. Yet she rose through the ranks of education, hard work, and dedication, showing all young minds that the sky is not the limit. Her journey from a young girl curious about space to becoming an astronaut is a beacon of possibility for all.

In the modern world, we still face the challenge of overcoming barriers—whether they are based on gender, race, or socioeconomic status—that can keep young minds from realizing their full potential in fields like science and engineering. But Ochoa’s story is a powerful antidote to these limitations. She is living proof that no matter where you come from, no matter the obstacles you may face, with dedication, perseverance, and education, anyone can reach the highest heights of achievement. The world of space and science is vast, but it is open to all who dare to dream, learn, and work.

O children, let this lesson be the guiding star of your own journey: the pursuit of knowledge, of science, and of discovery is not reserved for the few—it is a path open to anyone who is willing to work hard and study. The road may not always be easy, but it is a road paved with possibility for all who set foot upon it. Ochoa teaches us that the limits of achievement are not determined by the world’s barriers, but by the limits we place upon ourselves. If you dream of exploring the stars or shaping the future with the power of engineering, know that the world is yours to conquer. The future belongs to those who are willing to learn, to strive, and to believe that no field of science or knowledge is beyond their reach.

Take these words with you as you go forth into the world: do not be daunted by the barriers that may lie in your path, for they are only challenges to be overcome. Let your curiosity and passion for learning be the fire that drives you, and know that the possibilities for what you can achieve are as vast as the universe itself. You are the architects of the future, and the opportunity to explore, to discover, and to contribute to the world is open to all who work and learn. Like Ellen Ochoa, you have the power to shape the future. All that is required is the will to dream and the courage to pursue.