Ellen Ochoa was 11 years old when humans first walked on the moon. In those days, women were not even considered as candidates for the NASA space program.
Yet, defying all odds, not only did she get to meet Neil Armstrong and Gus Griffith who walked on the moon, but she would be launched into outer space herself on four occasions, spend almost 1,000 hours in orbit, and help construct the International Space Station. In a recent interview she remembered: “I never thought in a million years that I would be an astronaut or that I would meet any of those people.”
Born to an immigrant family in Los Angeles, California, Ochoa fondly remembers her childhood. Her father’s people were from Mexico, and her mother from Oklahoma. Both were convinced of the importance of education and encouraged Ochoa and her brothers and sisters to study hard. “I am proud of my parents’ decision to begin a new life in California,” she says. Her warm memories of their sacrifice and encouragement has enabled her to give a positive message to young Latinas “If you work hard, are enthusiastic, you can have a great career, I tell them.” Ochoa is living proof of that. Her educational accomplishments are nothing short of spectacular.
An outstanding graduate of Grossmont High School in La Mesa, California, she received a scholarship to San Diego State where she earned a BA with honors in physics. Shortly thereafter with a fellowship to Stanford, she garnered a master’s degree in science, followed by a doctorate in electrical engineering. Two years later she was recruited by NASA for their space program. But that was just the beginning.
Please login or subscribe to view the complete article.