
It Began with a Dream
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Narrated by:
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Jo Sands
About this listen
It Began with a Dream is the story of Dr. Gladys B. West, who played an integral role in the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS) as a mathematician with navy. Born in 1930, in the poor farming community of Sutherland, Virginia, she rose from poverty despite segregation, The Great Depression, and Jim Crow laws to become one of the first professional black women hired at the Dahlgren Naval Proving Grounds in Virginia (now Dahlgren Surface Naval Warfare Center). Dr. West, an HBCU graduate from Virginia State University and PhD scholar from Virginia Tech, takes us on her incredible life journey in this heartwarming and unforgettable memoir.
Though previously not recognized for her groundbreaking work in STEM, her contribution to GPS impacts almost everyone throughout the world. Recently, she was the first black female inducted into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame, and continues to be an example for others to follow. A wife of 63 years, and mother of three, she is clearly a legend, an inspiration, and a true American "shero".
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What listeners say about It Began with a Dream
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- farstar
- 06-17-24
Extraordinary woman
I love Dr. West and her husband Ira. I met them while attending Chapel on Dahlgren base. This book was so motivating. I wish that I had met her in my youth. I wish that someone would have mentored me. I will gift this book to all 10 of my grandchildren. Her life and experiences were/ phenomenal.
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- C. N
- 07-23-22
Very enriching and enjoyable biography.
If you're curious about a slice of life, a biography of a rather contemporary mathematician, or have a trip to see some of their unique and particular life chronicles then this book is a must-read. It is different in the sense that each person's life chronicles are unique but it is written with almost the same laid-back classical prose of scientists speaking of their academic life and glorifying their academic achievements and Christian life in this case; which can be very inspiring enjoyable light read depending on what you value, but very enriching for your curiosity anyways.
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- Johnny K
- 05-01-24
Beautiful Reminder of Things that Matter in Life
A humble and inspiring story of a person who overcame some much though consistent and relatable values.
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