The Motive
When it first came out, my family and I saw the widely popular movie Hidden Figures. I was immediately amazed and impressed by Katherine Johnson, the woman in the spotlight. After watching the movie, I was enlightened, inspired, and impressed. I never knew of this woman’s existence, and here she has been making first steps for women at NASA. Katherine Johnson deserves to be recognized as a role model for all women. Hidden Figures is the first big step for acknowledging and spreading the word about this remarkable woman, and providing the recognition she deserves.
About Her
From a young age, Katherine Johnson excelled ahead of her peers in mathematics, pushing her up multiple grade levels in school. Her success continued, and in 1957 her career at NASA began. In 1962 she did some of her most famous work for the orbital mission of John Glenn. The director asked Johnson to put the numbers through and calculate the specifics regarding the rocket, because Glenn trusted her, and only her, with the numbers. The flight was successful, and Katherine Johnson is widely considered the hero of the project, which is the main plot point portrayed in Hidden Figures.
After a widely impressive and impactful 33 years at NASA, Johnson retired in 1986. President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Furthermore, this proved and highlighted her importance and impact in the female and black community. This brilliantly intelligent woman left us on February 24th, 2020. She must be remembered and appreciated. Millions of young girls, and all women, must acknowledge and understand her legacy.
The Takeaway
Katherine Johnson has inspired me to personally care and work on my dreams. She was and still is a woman to look up to and learn from. Her impact at NASA was quite literally astronomical. She significantly proved that anything is possible, no matter your race or gender. No matter the money you have, where you come from, or what others may think. Her story needs to be spread around the world. Her legacy needs to be talked about in every school. Katherine Johnson will forever remain in my heart and the hearts of anyone who has heard her name.
She IS the definition of Women in STEM. Rockets and space shuttles are only the beginning of the high flights of Katherine Johnson. Her story and inspiration will continue to bloom and encourage the women of today to follow in her footsteps or diverge a new path. Fly high Katherine Johnson, a woman of yesterday, today, and a bright tomorrow.
https://www.nasa.gov/content/katherine-johnson-biography
I totally agree! Hidden Figures was such a great movie and Katherine Johnson is so inspiring!