As part of our topic 'To infinity and beyond!' we studied the book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly. We then created diary entries, choosing one of the inspirational women to impersonate.

The results were fantastic, the children really understood how these remarkable women might have felt about their own personal achievements as well as considering the concerns they may have in regard to the segregation of white and black people at the time. 

Tuesday 20^th February 1962

Dear Diary,

Today was absolutely amazing! I couldn’t believe my calculations were correct. I must tell you about how we launched John Glenn into space. I’ve been waiting for this day to come for a long time. Everyday working for N.A.S.A. and now I am so proud I feel like I can fly and I’ve just heard that blacks and whites maybe able to mix.

I’m so proud. I worked on Freedom 7 and now John Glenn’s come to me and said that he wants me to double check this rocket and now he’s floating in Space, all thanks to me. I really hope they shall ask me to help again.

I really don’t know what’s flooding over me. Right now I’m getting patted on the back by whites and blacks. I feel like I can do anything, even eat fire. I am so exhilarated and people are saying that I put a lot of perseverance into this job.

A long time ago I was just a child from West Virginia and now I can do all this I’m so proud, and also the next day John Glenn, who went into space, will be coming back down. I really hope tomorrow will be better.

Katherine Johnson.   

August 28^th 2013

Dear Diary,

Today I was blown away for work. Today I am so excited I have to tell you all about it. I am a bit sad because some of my friends are white. I don’t want to brag but I get lots of money, most people are very unfortunate but I don’t care about the money, I care about the people because it is very sad that we all have to be separated we live in disharmony I feel like dirt and upset.

 I want to fit in but it is hard. Each day everyone stares at me, like I am an alien. I am great at math because I get great grades and I focus. I work hard but all the credit goes to the men. One day I think I’ll be the first black women to be the manager. I will be a kind manager to everyone and I will be a very responsible manager and I will try to help people as much as possible and at work we are called “computers” because we are as smart as computers We have to work together from now on I used to work at NACA and now I have a big career.

 Well it is time for me to fly goodbye diary I promise I will come back for you soon goodbye for now!!!

Dorothy.

17th November 1958

Dear diary,

This morning I got the best message ever! I really had to tell you about it or no one would know...well maybe because it mght be on the news.

Perhaps I'll tell you about it...I got a letter saying "you have got permission to be a engineer!" This letter made my eyes sparkle with delight!

After that,  I rushed  down the stairs, got dressed and got to the engineering place in a flash! I was so happy but I was waiting on the bus  for a while and that made me remember that I have to sit in the BLACK area!

I wonder in the future If my important research will get published?

Lets see what will happen tomorrow because im excited about what's going to happen next.

Mary

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