Katherine Johnson was a pioneer in every sense of the word. Born in 1918, she was one of the first Black students to be a part of West Virginia's graduate schools before becoming a NASA mathematician, where she calculated figures that helped to send astronauts to the Moon and back.
Her mission was to solve mathematical problems, which she did with much joy.
Through her passion and courage, she changed the story of space travel.
Vocabulary:
• Ol' - Contraction of old; Used chiefly preceding names as a term of affection, admiration, or respect. Your ol' grandpa.
• Trailblazer - a person who is the first to do something; an innovator.
• Awe - Amazement.
• Overcame - succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty).
• Overt - done or shown openly; plainly apparent.
• Launched - start or set in motion.
• Briefing - a meeting for giving information or instructions.
• Barrier - (contextual) a circumstance or obstacle that keeps people or things apart or prevents communication or progress.
• To reach for the stars - to try to do something that is very difficult and impressive.
• Bring (someone) down - make someone unhappy or depressed.
Source: National Geographic