Maggie Aderin-Pocock shares her path from overcoming dyslexia to becoming a leading space scientist, while Arlene Phillips continues to dazzle in the world of dance at 80, proving it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a UK-based space scientist, is encouraging young people to strive for success by sharing her own journey from facing challenges in her youth to becoming a prominent member of the science community. Aderin-Pocock, born to Nigerian parents in London, overcame obstacles related to her background and dyslexia to achieve significant accomplishments, including the design of space instruments, winning several prestigious awards, and co-hosting The Sky at Night on the BBC. Through partnerships with initiatives like the National Trust’s Time + Space Award, she aims to motivate youngsters to pursue their interests and ideas passionately.
Despite her struggles with belonging and the challenges she faced due to her dyslexia, Aderin-Pocock’s love for space drove her to break stereotypes and push through barriers. She advocates for the pursuit of dreams and views space exploration as a unifying and inspiring endeavor. Aderin-Pocock continues to focus on empowering the next generation to dream big and realize their potential.
In another inspiring tale of perseverance and passion, Arlene Phillips, a renowned choreographer and former Strictly Come Dancing judge, continues to make waves in the entertainment industry at 80. Phillips, who has worked with stars like Tina Turner and Freddie Mercury, recently earned an Olivier nomination for her work in the musical “Guys & Dolls.” Her extensive career over six decades highlights her impact on dance, featuring roles in iconic productions such as Starlight Express and We Will Rock You, and her foundation of the dance group Hot Gossip.
Born into a working-class family, Phillips used dance as an escape and a means to express herself, ultimately transforming her passion into a successful career. Despite facing controversies and the physical demands of her work, she remains committed to her craft, drawing inspiration from her grandchildren and a lifetime of experiences. Phillips’s dedication to arts and creativity has not only sustained her career but also cemented her status as a cultural icon and inspiration to future generations of artists.
