I am too old to have played with Super Soakers, but my children loved these powerful water guns when they were small. So this BBC article on the inventor caught my attention and brought back memories.
It is an inspiring story of Lonnie Johnson, former NASA engineer and inventor. It tells how he invented not only the Super Soaker but also the Nerf toy gun, which were both hugely successful. He used his fortune in royalties to set up a scientific lab that is developing green batteries and a hydrogen powered engine.
Johnson’s story is especially remarkable, as he is an African American who grew up in the American South in the 1960s, when blacks were still discriminated against and downtrodden. But he had a natural sense of curiosity and a “never-say-die” attitude, and he made it.
He also spoke of why we must expose the young to ideas, and let them experience success. This will foster self belief and grow more successes.
So let us celebrate small successes, have passion and keep doing what interests us. Keep trying, and if at first you fail, try again. You never know where your efforts will take you! - LHL
