Jessica Watkins is making waves and not in the way you might expect for an astronaut. Born in Gaithersburg, Maryland, and raised in Lafayette, Colorado, Watkins rocketed into the spotlight when she was selected by NASA in 2017 as part of the 22nd class of astronauts. Now she’s shooting for the stars. Watkins became a household name on April 27, 2022, when she launched on SpaceX’s Crew-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the first Black woman to be part of a long-duration mission to space. But while the media obsesses over her groundbreaking achievements, there’s much more to Watkins than meets the eye. Her story challenges the standard talking points served up to us by mainstream outlets.
Trailblazer Alert: Let’s kick things off by noting something often glossed over in the fanfare: Watkins is not just your typical icon of diversity. She’s making a statement in an institution known for its rigorous qualifications and intense selection criteria. Isn’t it fascinating how conservatives have been poorly stereotyped as being resistant to change and diversity? Yet, here’s Watkins, someone who earned her spot based on skill and perseverance.
Brains Over Politics: Watkins holds a Bachelor’s in Geological and Environmental Sciences from Stanford University and a Doctorate in Geology from the University of California, Los Angeles. In other words, she’s no stranger to hard work and intellectual pursuits. The political left may wish to peddle narratives about STEM fields being unwelcoming, but Watkins is living proof that anyone with passion and drive can succeed. If efforts were spent putting the same amount of emphasis on merit and personal fortitude as they are on politics, imagine the potential outcomes.
Keeping Traditional Values Alive: Watkins is not just here to tick boxes. Rather, she’s exemplifying values many of us hold dear: hard work, dedication, and a refusal to play the victim card. It’s a narrative not pushed enough in the mainstream media, which loves to portray minority success through the lens of politics rather than personal responsibility and effort.
A Real Role Model: Here is a role model for future generations untainted by the perpetual grievance industry. As she floats in zero-g aboard the ISS, she isn’t declaring space a new frontier for identity politics. Instead, she’s focusing on scientific research and operational duties, such as assisting in scientific experiments and maintenance on the station. That’s right, when politicians and activists buzz around issues that fuel division, Watkins stands out by dedicating herself to unity through achievement.
Defying the Odds: Watkins was a rugby player at Stanford, no doubt learning a few lessons in discipline and teamwork that would come to shape her vigorous pursuit of her astronaut goals. It’s a testament to how sports, often derided by social critics as relics of old hierarchies, have played an integral part in her journey. It’s a good reminder of the value of team spirit and grit—qualities Jenkins has shown in abundance.
Science First: While some cater their lives around endless virtue signaling, Watkins’ focus remains steadfast. Her research on the surface of Mars, investigating landslides and their implications on the planet’s geological features, hints at a forward-thinking realism. Watkins shows us that addressing the unknown can be much more fruitful than endlessly debating the known.
A Career Beyond Politics: Watkins is part of the Artemis program, aiming to land “the first woman and the next man” on the Moon. It’s astonishing how we rarely hear cornerstones like these in narratives spun by those who prefer to highlight concerns over achievements. As she plays an integral role in humanity’s return to the lunar surface, Watkins is setting the course for another leap—one defined by unity in discovery rather than division by identity.
Breaking the Mold: Often we hear how systemic barriers need dismantling. True, but Watkins shows us that breaking into elite circles is not about pushing others down but raising one’s self up. It’s Dallas cowboy’s sure-shot breaking stereotypes - doing things the conservative way by earning it instead of just demanding it.
Responsible Leadership: Her dedication to science and exploration has propelled her to a position where she can inspire countless young minds, ensuring future generations reach beyond the political bickering and embrace the challenge of expanding human frontiers.
A Stellar Example for Future Generations: So, when you hear stories about barriers and walls, remember that some people are building bridges and roads into space. Jessica Watkins embodies that potential—a pioneering spirit not waiting for the world to change but changing the world herself. Watkins sends a message that success is as universal as the space she explores and should be celebrated, not politicized.
She is an example to all of us where dedication and skills can take you, regardless of what the mainstream media tries to make us believe.