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Sally Ride By Chantelle Hi! My name is Sally Ride and I was born in Encino California, on May 26, 1951. Even though I am famous for being the first American woman to orbit the earth, I don’t consider myself extraordinary. My determination and hard work made me part of a winning team. My father taught political science at Santa Monica Community College and was an assistant to the superintendent of the college. My mother Joyce stayed at home with me and my sister, Karen. Karen is now a Presbyterian minister, but now my mom teaches English to foreign students and does volunteer work in a women’s prison. Our parents are very proud of both of us. I went to the West Lake School, for girls. I always took care of my family members. I was on my own basketball team in High School, and my favorite subject was science. My science teacher Elizabeth Mommaerts was my favorite teacher. In 1977 I became an astronaut. I worked with Dr. Steven Hawley, I married Dr. Steven Hawley on July 24, 1982. I also worked with Commander Robert Crippin, Pilot Rick Hauk and John Fabin. In 1983 I was the first American woman to travel in space. Eight thousand nine hundred people wanted to join all of the missions but only thirty-five people could join and I was one of the thirty-five people chosen. I was the youngest astronaut to go in space. When I was in space I built a fifty-foot robot arm. When other satellites are in trouble the robot arm repairs them and then returns them back to space. It took me 2 years to build the robot arm.
It’s been more than 20 years since my voyage and it seems like yesterday. I was also the first woman honored in the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Since my retirement I have written 4 children’s books. Now I run Imaginary Lines, a company that tries to keep girls interested in science as they enter High School. This is important to me because my parents bought me a chemistry set when I was little. I never had an outlet like the festivals where girls could learn science in a fun environment. I’m sorry I have to go but see you next time. |
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47 Whiting Lane |
