Confidence, perseverance, persistence and knowledge are the pillars of success, says Sunita Williams

New Delhi. It is possible to achieve anything if a person is qualified and determined to make the right decisions, said NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Astronaut Capt Sunita Williams.

The Indian-origin Space Scientist was speaking at an interactive session on women empowerment on the theme ‘Women’s Empowerment through STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Education’, organised by FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) Ladies Organisation (FLO) in New Delhi February 25.

She noted that a person should aspire to try out new things and explore new opportunities. “Confidence, perseverance, persistence and knowledge play a key role in achieving the most challenging feats,” Capt Williams, who was formerly with the US navy, quipped.

Having witnessed the spectacular view of 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets in a day while on her mission to space, Capt Williams was of the view that nothing is impossible. Stating herself a girl next door, she said that opportunities are aplenty and the need was to grab and explore them. “It is important to be a good student as it opens doors of opportunities.”

Sharing her views on education, the NASA Astronaut said young girls should be encouraged to pursue STEM as it provides hosts of opportunities across the board. Studying STEM today offers a plethora of areas to learn, explore and understand.

Recounting her stint with US navy, She said when she had joined the US Naval Academy there were only 10 per cent women in the school but over the years the number has increased significantly and now women occupy 20 per cent seats at the Academy. NASA was also looking out for young engineers and was keen on having young and feisty females in its midst.

Speaking about her experiences in a male dominated field (Space), Capt Williams who has maximum number of spacewalks to her credit, said she often found herself in a minority but it never deterred her or interfered with her goals. She knew her tasks well and was competent to take on any challenges. Every woman brings to the table team work and willingly takes care of the team as it’s her innate nature, she added.

Narrating many memorable incidents from her numerous space explorations, Capt Williams said these experiences have taught her to be spiritual and realise that it would be in the interest of the humanity to preserve earth. In this perspective, there was a need for all to be a little more friendly and understanding towards others.

In her message to aspiring girls particularly belonging to hinterland who want to become astronaut, she said in affirmative ‘Why not?’ “If you want to be an astronaut, why not?” “Be determined, do what you want to do.” However, one needs to have physical endurance to become successful in life.

Don’t underestimate, open up to the opportunities. “I took the opportunities and taken things into account, as they came my way,” said eulogistic Capt Williams.

“Imagination is what paves the way i.e. what comes next.”

On ISRO-NASA future collaborations she said, “I do hope that we (Indian and US Space agencies) are going to take some firm decisions to launch collaborative space missions between India and the United States. I hope some workable solutions may emerge during my three-day (February 25-27) stay here in India.”