NASA | Cynthia Simmons Women@NASA 2014

The speaker shares her journey from aspiring writer to NASA engineer, highlighting her diverse career aspirations, including becoming an astronaut. She reflects on her childhood in poverty and the sacrifices her mother made for education. At NASA, she has participated in various missions, contributing to science and design. She emphasizes the importance of appreciating life, seeking opportunities, and not letting circumstances define one's path.

What career did the speaker initially aspire to before becoming an engineer?

• Scientist

• Teacher

• Writer

• Astronaut

Where did the speaker grow up?

• St. Louis, MO

• New York, NY

• Chicago, IL

• Los Angeles, CA

What did the speaker's mother often have for herself while the children ate hot dogs?

• A sandwich

• A hot cup of Lipton tea and a slice of white bread

• A bowl of soup

• A cup of coffee

What is one of the key life lessons the speaker emphasizes?

• Always follow the same path

• Let circumstances define you

• Appreciate every opportunity and seek new ones

• Avoid taking risks

According to the speaker, what should you do if you find only one path forward?

• Stop and wait

• Look for a window to create another path

• Go back and try again

• Ask for help