On September 12, 1992, Mae Jemison's dream became reality when she took her first flight into outer space. As a mission specialist she was a member of the Endeavor space shuttle crew. Her life-long goal became reality because she was never easily discouraged from following her dream. For example, her kindergarten teacher asked her what she wanted to be. Mae replied, "A scientist!" The teacher said, "Don't you mean a nurse?" But Mae never gave up.

Mae was born in Decatur, Alabama, in 1956, and grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She was a very active student. She loved dance, theater, and student politics. Mae also took several different languages such as Russian, Japanese, and Swahili. She was an exceptional student in all subjects. She also had a great sense of humor.