While many watched Star Trek as some sort of fantastical escapism, many saw the series as a legitimate way to the future. While we're only a bit closer to intergalactic space travel than we were when the show premiered in 1966, the show taught valuable and powerful life lessons that are applicable in any century.

No one knew this more than Nichelle Nichols, best known for playing Lt. Uhura. Nichols made history playing the role, and in her memoir, Beyond Uhura, she explained that she truly felt that when she played the character, she was serving a greater purpose.

"Every time I sat down at my console on the bridge of the Enterprise, I felt that I was in the twenty-third century, that I was Uhura," she wrote. "The promise of that imaginary universe was real to me. I am still very proud of Uhura: proud of who she was (or will be) and what she represented, not only in her time but in ours, and in those of people who will discover Star Trek decades from now."

Ever the optimist, Nichols was sad to leave Star Trek when the series ended, but was hopeful for the future. "In show business, everything ends sooner or later," she wrote. "You learn to say goodbye with your chin up and look to the future. After all, you never know what's around the corner, and I relish a challenge."

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Most importantly, Nichols believed that the series offered its audience messages that would stay with them long after the show had ended.

"I believe Star Trek offered viewers a valuable sense of mission," she wrote. Man can change if he wants to."

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