In 4th grade I failed the “smart kid test” because I didn’t know the difference between a microscope and a telescope. I ended up graduating from MIT in Aeronautics and Astronautics. No single test defines you. New book out now:

love this Emily ❤️

Adults who help you see your potential are just...the friggin best.

I was discouraged by a teacher from becoming a scientist/zoologist, (circa 1974) my skin tone an added factor. I now write children’s books abt blacks girls using STEAM who travel the world saving critically endangered animals #WildlifeDivas. Thank You Emily

I had a guidance counselor tell me that applying for college was a waste of time. I did not have the grades. Needless to say, I was accepted & graduated. Taught school for a few years went back for 1.5 years & have had 35+ year career in STEM! 🤷‍♀️😆😆🧠

Have to drop in to say THANK YOU. This was the reminder I needed today that my 6 year old not being able to read nonsense words fast in a test that terrifies her today doesn't discount her from being AMAZING later.

Haha, lil Emily mixed up that a microscope makes small things look big while a telescope makes far away things that look small ... look big. So, you know, totally different.😁

As one of my favorite professors told us once, “I graduated undergrad with a 2.0 GPA. Now I have three more degrees and teach you. Grades are less important than continuing to learn.”

I remember failing the smart kid test and really beating myself up about it for a long time. It wasn’t until high school that a teacher made me feel like I was really good at a subject.

Sometimes falling short is more helpful then getting everything you want right now.

Zeiss microscope eyepieces work pretty well in telescopes