On 7 August 2024, Dr Sinobia Kenny had the distinct privilege of being a special guest at Crestway High School in Retreat, Cape Town, for an event made possible by Living Maths and the Sakhikamva Foundation. The day featured an inspiring session with astronaut Dr Sian Proctor, a trailblazing figure in space exploration.
Dr Proctor captivated the audience with her remarkable life story, beginning with her childhood dream of becoming a pilot. Her father worked at a NASA tracking station on the island of Guam. Dr Proctor’s father, a ‘Hidden Figure’, played a crucial role in actualising one of humanity’s most outstanding achievements—Neil Armstrong’s historic journey to the moon. Growing up in such an environment, Dr Proctor’s fascination with space was deeply rooted. She shared how her father’s work and their life on Guam, an island instrumental to NASA’s missions, inspired her to reach for the stars. During COVID-19, she taught herself to paint and write poetry, and when the opportunity came for four civilians to go to space, she grabbed it with all her might. On 15 September 2021, Dr Proctor made history by becoming the first African-American woman to pilot a Dragon Spacecraft into space (with Neil Armstrong’s letter of thanks to her dad). This momentous achievement marked a significant milestone in her life and the broader narrative of space exploration, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. She also made history by painting in space using specialised and pressurised pens that could be used under circumstances of no gravity.
Education is the gateway to opportunity—so learn as much as possible. But remember, learning doesn’t stop in the classroom. It extends into every aspect of life, especially when you live as an explorer. True explorers don’t just find new things—they discover something profound about themselves. I’ve always believed in preparing myself for opportunities, and during the lockdown, I tapped into my creativity to do just that. (paraphrased)
Dr Proctor’s story is a beacon of inspiration, perseverance, and the power of dreams. Her journey from a young girl in Guam, dreaming of the skies, to a pioneering astronaut, is a testament to what can be achieved when one dares to dream big and works relentlessly to turn those dreams into reality. Her story is a constant reminder that no dream is too big, and no goal is out of reach.
The learners, teachers and guests at Crestway High School left the event with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration, driven by Dr Proctor’s incredible journey and her message that the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning. Watch her lecture below.
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