Sec values - Gratitude & Aspiration 3: Donya

Teacher notes

In this 3rd lesson of the Aspiration and Gratitude unit, we consider the idea that big dreams can start small, and that gratitude can fuel courage and focus. Through Donya’s inspiring story, pupils discover how someone’s passion, resilience, and appreciation for their roots and opportunities can lead them to achieve remarkable things. Pupils are invited to think about their own aspirations, how they grow, and the importance of recognising those who help us along the way. **Summary of Storyworld**: Meet Donya, a NASA engineer and the mission lead for the LUCY spacecraft mission, the first to explore the Trojan asteroids near Jupiter. As an African American woman in a senior role at NASA, Donya’s story is one of aspiration, perseverance and breaking boundaries. She also explores her ancestry and reflects on how her identity and history influence her work and values. Through this inspiring blend of space science and personal heritage, pupils glimpse the power of following big dreams, staying curious, and showing gratitude for those who came before. **Suggested Introduction for each session in Year of Values.** Each week, we explore a powerful human story from a different part of the world, using real-life voices and experiences to help us better understand the values that shape our lives. **National Curriculum Links** Citizenship (KS3) The ways in which citizens can participate in and contribute to society. Citizenship (KS4) How equality, diversity and representation influence opportunities and life chances. PSHE (KS3) L25: To recognise personal strengths, interests and aspirations. L30: Skills for setting personal goals and working towards them. PSHE (KS4) L27: To critically assess bias, reliability and representation in information and role models. Science The work of scientists and scientific careers; asking questions and using evidence.