Space Pioneer
Have you ever looked up at the night sky, gazed at the stars, and wondered what it would be like to explore the mysteries of the universe?
By Jeremy Major
I’ve been trying to understand my attraction to movies about often very normal people who crew investigative space crafts looking for new inhabitable lands to offer hope to humanity. I’ve concluded for now that it’s the idea of being a (drumroll, please) space pioneer; you know, part of a team that ventures out to discover new worlds and push the boundaries of human knowledge.
The idea of space exploration has always held a special place in my heart. There's something truly awe-inspiring about the thought of traveling to other planets, encountering new life forms, and unraveling the mysteries of the universe. Even if it means the possibility of encountering a Xenomorph, or being haunted by a spacecraft that can read my thoughts and turn my fears into reality, or getting caught in a wormhole and missing out on watching an entire generation of earthlings grow up. Obviously, I’d be the crew member that survives all this tragedy in space. Being a space pioneer is worth the price to be paid.
It’s unlikely I’ll ever command a spaceship in the literal sense. But back here on earth, I believe we all have pioneering in our blood and a direction we want to pursue, even if it’s low on velocity at the moment.
Becoming a space pioneer isn't just about having the right skills or qualifications (in the movies, crew members are seldom even NASA-level scientists); it's about having the courage to pursue those aspirations that give you the tingles, even when they seem out of reach. It's about being willing to take risks, have those tough conversations you’ve been avoiding, and to push yourself to be your best self.
It's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day routines of life, to settle for the comfortable and familiar, but there's so much more out there waiting for us if we're willing to throw on a helmet and take an untethered space walk.
So, as you gaze up at the stars tonight (and please make sure you do take that moment), I challenge you to consider what it would be like to be a space pioneer in your own life. What dreams do you have that you've been putting off? What risks are you afraid to take? What could you accomplish if you had the courage to take that first small step?
Becoming a space pioneer may be an incredible adventure, but it's also a reminder that we all have the power to reach for the cosmos - to pursue our passions, overcome our fears, and discover new worlds within ourselves.
