Explorers

I was thrilled when I heard about the plans for this book devoted to explorers, and I am honoured to be part of it. After all, many of the lives and stories included here served as inspiration for my own explorations. What does it mean to be an explorer? Whether scaling mountains, pushing into the frontiers of space, or plumbing the depths of the sea, what do we all have in common? It’s a driving curiosity, a thirst for discovery, and a desire to test the limits of our minds, bodies, and the world around us. Courage and perseverance are a big part of every explorer’s story, too. Sure, every explorer faces doubts – sometimes their own doubts, and sometimes the doubts of other people who have different ideas of what is possible. Then there are the unpredictable setbacks and seemingly insurmountable obstacles that arise in every journey. You will read about plenty of those in this book, and it adds to the excitement. But what prevails in the best explorers is their determination, self-confidence, and drive. They persevere. They are resilient! by Barbara Hillary FOREWORD 5 As a young girl growing up in Harlem in New York, USA, I did not know that I would reach the North and South Poles in my 70s, see a polar bear in its natural habitat, and stand transfixed by a vast landscape of snow and ice. Over time, with education, imagination, and nurturing by mentors and supporters, my dream unfolded – and I achieved it! In the same way, you, reading this now, might not know just how you might challenge yourself, push beyond so-called limits, and establish your own unique relationship with the world. But I encourage you, as you read these stories of explorers, to ponder: Where might your sense of adventure take you? What challenges could you seek out? How would you prepare? What qualities will you take with you? And how will you define your own success? Happy exploring.