One of my favorite movies (and books) is Hidden Figures. The story of the mathematicians who calculated trajectories at NASA to put a man in orbit, and eventually to send men to the moon. These brilliant, strong, brave women are such an inspiration to me, even 60 years later, as I navigate being one of the only women in an engineering section of a government research facility. Did I mention they were black women doing this incredible work at NASA during a time of segregation, and when few women worked outside the home? I re-watched the movie this week and something hit me - a scene that had given me goosebumps on previous watchings brought me to tears this time.
To set the scene: A young Katherine Johnson is excelling in her elementary school math classes. Her teachers, so impressed with her mind but knowing that in White Sulfur Springs, West Virginia, where she lives, the only school for black children anyplace nearby ends at the 6th grade. The teachers decide to speak to Katherine’s parents about sending her to a high school in another town to continue developing her talent. Her parents are surprised and a little confused, saying “But Katherine’s only in the 6th grade…” It goes without saying in the scene that even though Katherine’s parents want to give her the very best opportunities, money is tight. The teachers explain that they’ve pooled a little money together for the family, and once they get there, her tuition will be paid by a scholarship. “All you have to do is get there.” As her parents hesitate, then nod in agreement, one of the teachers says, in a tone that feels like prophecy:
“You HAVE to go. You have to see what she becomes.”
It gives me chills to watch that. Knowing what she would become!! Knowing she would go on to perform the calculations to send John Glenn orbiting the earth, to send Neil Armstrong stepping onto the surface of the moon. Knowing she would be an American hero and an integral player during one of the most exciting and innovative seasons in history - the space race.
Beyond the life and achievements of Katherine Johnson, another reason that line struck me so much was the broader idea of her family “HAVING to go, having to go to see what SHE becomes”. What if each woman could hear that when they’re contemplating a new opportunity or ignoring a nagging dream they’ve held onto quietly for years?
What if a voice of authority could speak to you and say “You HAVE to go! You HAVE to see what you become!!!”
What if the things that make your heart go pitter patter aren’t supposed to stay hidden inside your heart and mind? What if they’re meant to come out and change the world?
Ok, now pause for just one second. What is your knee-jerk, gut reaction to the thought of going for it and seeing what YOU become? What doubt pops up automatically whenever you start to contemplate a bigger life? I don’t know what excuse has reared its ugly head, but I do know that it’s lame.
Katherine Johnson had every reason to doubt she could change the world - in a time of segregation, being from a small town, and being a woman in a time when few women worked outside the home during peace time. But those reasons to doubt didn’t stop her from going and striving to do excellent work that she was passionate about. We know from accounts of her time at NASA that she treated herself with the same respect she showed others, expecting equal treatment to that of her white male peers just as she was willing to offer it to them.
I want you to treat yourself with the same respect you would treat others with. I want you to dream big dreams for yourself with as much enthusiasm as you might dream them for your friends, your children, or the seniors graduating high school any given year.
I can be so full of self doubt, and so ready to accept less for myself than my God created me for. I let fear govern my decisions more than I even realize, I’m sure, or procrastinate on pursuing opportunities, thinking “that one can be for someone else. I’ll catch the next wave” without really intending to ever take a step out into the unknown. But this week I’m trying to remind myself to GO. I HAVE to go. God didn’t give me these abilities, opportunities, or passions by accident. Who knows what they could be intended for? How can I find out unless I go??? I HAVE to go. I HAVE to see what I become. YOU have to go. You have to see what YOU become!
