Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to fly on a space mission, emphasized the importance of making heartfelt choices to an audience of about 350 Monday night in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

“We have to actively choose the life we want,” Jemison said.

She traced her life choices back to lying under the stars when she was a little girl and wondering what was up there.

“All around me, the world was filled with new ideas. I wanted to be a part of it,” she said.

Jemison said color and gender hindered her success but even when it seemed the rest of the world cared less about her dreams and aspirations, her parents always were there for her.

“I had to learn very early not to limit myself because of other people’s limiting imaginations,” she said. “The ever-optimistic little girl inside of me did not fall down like many people expected.”

Jemison had great success with NASA from 1986 to 1993. She then started her own business and has since began teaching at Dartmouth.

When some criticized her for leaving NASA, she said people shouldn’t automatically assume a successful job can make one happy.

“Do I really only get one opportunity and have to stick with it for the rest of my life?” she asked. Jemison said that after her NASA experience, she wanted to start her own business, so she did.

Jemison said people do not try things not because they are afraid of failing, but because they are afraid of succeeding. This point rang true with Holly Elbert, who attended the lecture.

“It scares me that I might not go out and do it even though I have the potential,” said Elbert, senior in mechanical engineering.

Jemison also discussed the difference between science and technology.

“Science is understanding, and technology is putting that understanding to a practical use,” she said. “Differences are made when people decide how to use technology.”

The United States should be careful when making decisions about new technology because of its position as a world leader, she said.

“We are the de facto role model for the world,” Jemison said.

Jemison’s sense of humor was not lost on the students who got to talk with her at a reception before the lecture. Elbert said Jemison was humorous and down-to-earth despite her impressive credentials.

Kristine Briedis, senior in genetics, said Jemison asked the students what they studied and really made an effort to show interest in their lives.

“She said not to give up on [your dreams] before you go out and try,” Briedis said.