PERT Reading Practice Test

Mary Jackson

In the 1950s, Mary Jackson became the first black woman to work as a human computer for NASA’s space program. Jackson’s job was to develop the mathematical equations needed for getting US spaceships into outer space and returning them safely home. The road to success was not smooth for Jackson. The fields of mathematics and space technology were still dominated by white men, and it took great determination for Jackson to move from lower-level jobs to the position of human computer.

Jackson's interest in becoming an engineer grew during her time as a human computer. She solved difficult problems concerning the aerodynamics of aircraft. Kazimierz Czarnecki, the engineer overseeing Jackson’s work, was so impressed by her mathematical abilities that he asked Jackson to work closely with the engineers. From there, Jackson’s dream of working with spaceships only grew. Unfortunately, no engineering schools were willing to let an African American into their graduate programs, let alone a woman.

With the encouragement of Kazimierz Czarnecki, Jackson fought for her right to attend classes through the legal system. She petitioned to the city of Hampton, Virginia for permission to take night classes at an all-white high school. She argued that America needed all the help it could get to win the space race against the Russians. In the end, the city sided with Jackson, and she dove deep into her education.

Jackson studied hard while continuing to work full time. Thanks to her unrelenting drive, Jackson became the first black woman in the US to graduate with an engineering degree in 1958. She spent the next 34 years specializing in aerodynamics at NASA, eventually becoming agency’s most senior engineer. At the end of her career, Jackson dedicated herself to working as an equal opportunity specialist, helping other women and people of color achieve their dreams in the fields of science and mathematics.

Mary Jackson

In the 1950s, Mary Jackson became the first black woman to work as a human computer for NASA’s space program. Jackson’s job was to develop the mathematical equations needed for getting US spaceships into outer space and returning them safely home. The road to success was not smooth for Jackson. The fields of mathematics and space technology were still dominated by white men, and it took great determination for Jackson to move from lower-level jobs to the position of human computer.

Jackson's interest in becoming an engineer grew during her time as a human computer. She solved difficult problems concerning the aerodynamics of aircraft. Kazimierz Czarnecki, the engineer overseeing Jackson’s work, was so impressed by her mathematical abilities that he asked Jackson to work closely with the engineers. From there, Jackson’s dream of working with spaceships only grew. Unfortunately, no engineering schools were willing to let an African American into their graduate programs, let alone a woman.

With the encouragement of Kazimierz Czarnecki, Jackson fought for her right to attend classes through the legal system. She petitioned to the city of Hampton, Virginia for permission to take night classes at an all-white high school. She argued that America needed all the help it could get to win the space race against the Russians. In the end, the city sided with Jackson, and she dove deep into her education.

Jackson studied hard while continuing to work full time. Thanks to her unrelenting drive, Jackson became the first black woman in the US to graduate with an engineering degree in 1958. She spent the next 34 years specializing in aerodynamics at NASA, eventually becoming agency’s most senior engineer. At the end of her career, Jackson dedicated herself to working as an equal opportunity specialist, helping other women and people of color achieve their dreams in the fields of science and mathematics.

Mary Jackson

In the 1950s, Mary Jackson became the first black woman to work as a human computer for NASA’s space program. Jackson’s job was to develop the mathematical equations needed for getting US spaceships into outer space and returning them safely home. The road to success was not smooth for Jackson. The fields of mathematics and space technology were still dominated by white men, and it took great determination for Jackson to move from lower-level jobs to the position of human computer.

Jackson's interest in becoming an engineer grew during her time as a human computer. She solved difficult problems concerning the aerodynamics of aircraft. Kazimierz Czarnecki, the engineer overseeing Jackson’s work, was so impressed by her mathematical abilities that he asked Jackson to work closely with the engineers. From there, Jackson’s dream of working with spaceships only grew. Unfortunately, no engineering schools were willing to let an African American into their graduate programs, let alone a woman.

With the encouragement of Kazimierz Czarnecki, Jackson fought for her right to attend classes through the legal system. She petitioned to the city of Hampton, Virginia for permission to take night classes at an all-white high school. She argued that America needed all the help it could get to win the space race against the Russians. In the end, the city sided with Jackson, and she dove deep into her education.

Jackson studied hard while continuing to work full time. Thanks to her unrelenting drive, Jackson became the first black woman in the US to graduate with an engineering degree in 1958. She spent the next 34 years specializing in aerodynamics at NASA, eventually becoming agency’s most senior engineer. At the end of her career, Jackson dedicated herself to working as an equal opportunity specialist, helping other women and people of color achieve their dreams in the fields of science and mathematics.

Mary Jackson

In the 1950s, Mary Jackson became the first black woman to work as a human computer for NASA’s space program. Jackson’s job was to develop the mathematical equations needed for getting US spaceships into outer space and returning them safely home. The road to success was not smooth for Jackson. The fields of mathematics and space technology were still dominated by white men, and it took great determination for Jackson to move from lower-level jobs to the position of human computer.

Jackson's interest in becoming an engineer grew during her time as a human computer. She solved difficult problems concerning the aerodynamics of aircraft. Kazimierz Czarnecki, the engineer overseeing Jackson’s work, was so impressed by her mathematical abilities that he asked Jackson to work closely with the engineers. From there, Jackson’s dream of working with spaceships only grew. Unfortunately, no engineering schools were willing to let an African American into their graduate programs, let alone a woman.

With the encouragement of Kazimierz Czarnecki, Jackson fought for her right to attend classes through the legal system. She petitioned to the city of Hampton, Virginia for permission to take night classes at an all-white high school. She argued that America needed all the help it could get to win the space race against the Russians. In the end, the city sided with Jackson, and she dove deep into her education.

Jackson studied hard while continuing to work full time. Thanks to her unrelenting drive, Jackson became the first black woman in the US to graduate with an engineering degree in 1958. She spent the next 34 years specializing in aerodynamics at NASA, eventually becoming agency’s most senior engineer. At the end of her career, Jackson dedicated herself to working as an equal opportunity specialist, helping other women and people of color achieve their dreams in the fields of science and mathematics.

Mary Jackson

In the 1950s, Mary Jackson became the first black woman to work as a human computer for NASA’s space program. Jackson’s job was to develop the mathematical equations needed for getting US spaceships into outer space and returning them safely home. The road to success was not smooth for Jackson. The fields of mathematics and space technology were still dominated by white men, and it took great determination for Jackson to move from lower-level jobs to the position of human computer.

Jackson's interest in becoming an engineer grew during her time as a human computer. She solved difficult problems concerning the aerodynamics of aircraft. Kazimierz Czarnecki, the engineer overseeing Jackson’s work, was so impressed by her mathematical abilities that he asked Jackson to work closely with the engineers. From there, Jackson’s dream of working with spaceships only grew. Unfortunately, no engineering schools were willing to let an African American into their graduate programs, let alone a woman.

With the encouragement of Kazimierz Czarnecki, Jackson fought for her right to attend classes through the legal system. She petitioned to the city of Hampton, Virginia for permission to take night classes at an all-white high school. She argued that America needed all the help it could get to win the space race against the Russians. In the end, the city sided with Jackson, and she dove deep into her education.

Jackson studied hard while continuing to work full time. Thanks to her unrelenting drive, Jackson became the first black woman in the US to graduate with an engineering degree in 1958. She spent the next 34 years specializing in aerodynamics at NASA, eventually becoming agency’s most senior engineer. At the end of her career, Jackson dedicated herself to working as an equal opportunity specialist, helping other women and people of color achieve their dreams in the fields of science and mathematics.

A Great Soul

Born in 1869, Mohandas Gandhi grew up while India was still under British colonial rule, witnessing great injustice against his fellow Indians. In 1888, he sailed to England to study law, even though he ultimately intended to become a doctor. After Gandhi finished school, he went to South Africa, where he worked as a lawyer and civil rights activist. In both England and South Africa, Gandhi encountered incredible discrimination by white people against Indians and other people of color. He was even kicked off a train in South Africa — despite having a first-class ticket — because a white man didn’t like seeing an Indian in the first-class section. After such experiences, Gandhi dedicated the rest of his life to fighting injustice.

In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

Gandhi became known as Mahatma, a Sanskrit word meaning “Great Soul.” His teachings of nonviolence echoed around the world, and the British faced growing pressure from other nations to grant India independence, which they finally did, five years after Gandhi’s imprisonment. Gandhi’s lifetime commitment to peace, nonviolence, and justice remains an inspiration to us all.

A Great Soul

Born in 1869, Mohandas Gandhi grew up while India was still under British colonial rule, witnessing great injustice against his fellow Indians. In 1888, he sailed to England to study law, even though he ultimately intended to become a doctor. After Gandhi finished school, he went to South Africa, where he worked as a lawyer and civil rights activist. In both England and South Africa, Gandhi encountered incredible discrimination by white people against Indians and other people of color. He was even kicked off a train in South Africa — despite having a first-class ticket — because a white man didn’t like seeing an Indian in the first-class section. After such experiences, Gandhi dedicated the rest of his life to fighting injustice.

In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

Gandhi became known as Mahatma, a Sanskrit word meaning “Great Soul.” His teachings of nonviolence echoed around the world, and the British faced growing pressure from other nations to grant India independence, which they finally did, five years after Gandhi’s imprisonment. Gandhi’s lifetime commitment to peace, nonviolence, and justice remains an inspiration to us all.

A Great Soul

Born in 1869, Mohandas Gandhi grew up while India was still under British colonial rule, witnessing great injustice against his fellow Indians. In 1888, he sailed to England to study law, even though he ultimately intended to become a doctor. After Gandhi finished school, he went to South Africa, where he worked as a lawyer and civil rights activist. In both England and South Africa, Gandhi encountered incredible discrimination by white people against Indians and other people of color. He was even kicked off a train in South Africa — despite having a first-class ticket — because a white man didn’t like seeing an Indian in the first-class section. After such experiences, Gandhi dedicated the rest of his life to fighting injustice.

In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

Gandhi became known as Mahatma, a Sanskrit word meaning “Great Soul.” His teachings of nonviolence echoed around the world, and the British faced growing pressure from other nations to grant India independence, which they finally did, five years after Gandhi’s imprisonment. Gandhi’s lifetime commitment to peace, nonviolence, and justice remains an inspiration to us all.

A Great Soul

Born in 1869, Mohandas Gandhi grew up while India was still under British colonial rule, witnessing great injustice against his fellow Indians. In 1888, he sailed to England to study law, even though he ultimately intended to become a doctor. After Gandhi finished school, he went to South Africa, where he worked as a lawyer and civil rights activist. In both England and South Africa, Gandhi encountered incredible discrimination by white people against Indians and other people of color. He was even kicked off a train in South Africa — despite having a first-class ticket — because a white man didn’t like seeing an Indian in the first-class section. After such experiences, Gandhi dedicated the rest of his life to fighting injustice.

In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

Gandhi became known as Mahatma, a Sanskrit word meaning “Great Soul.” His teachings of nonviolence echoed around the world, and the British faced growing pressure from other nations to grant India independence, which they finally did, five years after Gandhi’s imprisonment. Gandhi’s lifetime commitment to peace, nonviolence, and justice remains an inspiration to us all.

A Great Soul

Born in 1869, Mohandas Gandhi grew up while India was still under British colonial rule, witnessing great injustice against his fellow Indians. In 1888, he sailed to England to study law, even though he ultimately intended to become a doctor. After Gandhi finished school, he went to South Africa, where he worked as a lawyer and civil rights activist. In both England and South Africa, Gandhi encountered incredible discrimination by white people against Indians and other people of color. He was even kicked off a train in South Africa — despite having a first-class ticket — because a white man didn’t like seeing an Indian in the first-class section. After such experiences, Gandhi dedicated the rest of his life to fighting injustice.

In 1921, Gandhi took charge of the Indian National Congress, a group of thirteen men in the Indian government who fought discrimination and unfair taxation against farmers and urban laborers. Using the nonviolent tactic of civil disobedience, Gandhi and his followers resisted British control over Indian life, choosing not to follow unfair, discriminatory laws and policies. The British responded to this resistance by strengthening their military presence in India, often at the cost of human lives. Gandhi was eventually imprisoned in 1942 for his “radical” beliefs, but he refused to recognize violence as a means of fighting the British. He gained international attention for his hunger strikes, refusing to eat until the British changed their unjust policies.

Gandhi became known as Mahatma, a Sanskrit word meaning “Great Soul.” His teachings of nonviolence echoed around the world, and the British faced growing pressure from other nations to grant India independence, which they finally did, five years after Gandhi’s imprisonment. Gandhi’s lifetime commitment to peace, nonviolence, and justice remains an inspiration to us all.

The Most Dangerous Game

“Off there to the right — somewhere — is a large island,” said Whitney. “It's rather a mystery —”

“What island is it?” Rainsford asked.

“The old charts call it ‘Ship-Trap Island’,” Whitney replied. “A suggestive name, isn't it? Sailors have a curious dread of the place. I don't know why. Some superstition —”

“Can't see it,” remarked Rainsford, trying to peer through the dank tropical night that was palpable as it pressed its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht.

“You've good eyes,” said Whitney, with a laugh, “and I've seen you pick off a moose moving in the brown fall bush at four hundred yards, but even you can't see four miles or so through a moonless Caribbean night.”

“Nor four yards,” admitted Rainsford. “Ugh! It's like moist black velvet.”

“It will be light enough in Rio,” promised Whitney. “We should make it in a few days. I hope the jaguar guns have come from Purdey's. We should have some good hunting up the Amazon. Great sport, hunting.”

“The best sport in the world,” agreed Rainsford.

“For the hunter,” amended Whitney. “Not for the jaguar.”

“Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. “You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?”

“Perhaps the jaguar does,” observed Whitney.

“Bah! They've no understanding.”

“Even so, I rather think they understand one thing — fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.”

“Nonsense,” laughed Rainsford. “This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes — the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters.”

The Most Dangerous Game

“Off there to the right — somewhere — is a large island,” said Whitney. “It's rather a mystery —”

“What island is it?” Rainsford asked.

“The old charts call it ‘Ship-Trap Island’,” Whitney replied. “A suggestive name, isn't it? Sailors have a curious dread of the place. I don't know why. Some superstition —”

“Can't see it,” remarked Rainsford, trying to peer through the dank tropical night that was palpable as it pressed its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht.

“You've good eyes,” said Whitney, with a laugh, “and I've seen you pick off a moose moving in the brown fall bush at four hundred yards, but even you can't see four miles or so through a moonless Caribbean night.”

“Nor four yards,” admitted Rainsford. “Ugh! It's like moist black velvet.”

“It will be light enough in Rio,” promised Whitney. “We should make it in a few days. I hope the jaguar guns have come from Purdey's. We should have some good hunting up the Amazon. Great sport, hunting.”

“The best sport in the world,” agreed Rainsford.

“For the hunter,” amended Whitney. “Not for the jaguar.”

“Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. “You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?”

“Perhaps the jaguar does,” observed Whitney.

“Bah! They've no understanding.”

“Even so, I rather think they understand one thing — fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.”

“Nonsense,” laughed Rainsford. “This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes — the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters.”

The Most Dangerous Game

“Off there to the right — somewhere — is a large island,” said Whitney. “It's rather a mystery —”

“What island is it?” Rainsford asked.

“The old charts call it ‘Ship-Trap Island’,” Whitney replied. “A suggestive name, isn't it? Sailors have a curious dread of the place. I don't know why. Some superstition —”

“Can't see it,” remarked Rainsford, trying to peer through the dank tropical night that was palpable as it pressed its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht.

“You've good eyes,” said Whitney, with a laugh, “and I've seen you pick off a moose moving in the brown fall bush at four hundred yards, but even you can't see four miles or so through a moonless Caribbean night.”

“Nor four yards,” admitted Rainsford. “Ugh! It's like moist black velvet.”

“It will be light enough in Rio,” promised Whitney. “We should make it in a few days. I hope the jaguar guns have come from Purdey's. We should have some good hunting up the Amazon. Great sport, hunting.”

“The best sport in the world,” agreed Rainsford.

“For the hunter,” amended Whitney. “Not for the jaguar.”

“Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. “You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?”

“Perhaps the jaguar does,” observed Whitney.

“Bah! They've no understanding.”

“Even so, I rather think they understand one thing — fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.”

“Nonsense,” laughed Rainsford. “This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes — the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters.”

The Most Dangerous Game

“Off there to the right — somewhere — is a large island,” said Whitney. “It's rather a mystery —”

“What island is it?” Rainsford asked.

“The old charts call it ‘Ship-Trap Island’,” Whitney replied. “A suggestive name, isn't it? Sailors have a curious dread of the place. I don't know why. Some superstition —”

“Can't see it,” remarked Rainsford, trying to peer through the dank tropical night that was palpable as it pressed its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht.

“You've good eyes,” said Whitney, with a laugh, “and I've seen you pick off a moose moving in the brown fall bush at four hundred yards, but even you can't see four miles or so through a moonless Caribbean night.”

“Nor four yards,” admitted Rainsford. “Ugh! It's like moist black velvet.”

“It will be light enough in Rio,” promised Whitney. “We should make it in a few days. I hope the jaguar guns have come from Purdey's. We should have some good hunting up the Amazon. Great sport, hunting.”

“The best sport in the world,” agreed Rainsford.

“For the hunter,” amended Whitney. “Not for the jaguar.”

“Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. “You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?”

“Perhaps the jaguar does,” observed Whitney.

“Bah! They've no understanding.”

“Even so, I rather think they understand one thing — fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.”

“Nonsense,” laughed Rainsford. “This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes — the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters.”

The Most Dangerous Game

“Off there to the right — somewhere — is a large island,” said Whitney. “It's rather a mystery —”

“What island is it?” Rainsford asked.

“The old charts call it ‘Ship-Trap Island’,” Whitney replied. “A suggestive name, isn't it? Sailors have a curious dread of the place. I don't know why. Some superstition —”

“Can't see it,” remarked Rainsford, trying to peer through the dank tropical night that was palpable as it pressed its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht.

“You've good eyes,” said Whitney, with a laugh, “and I've seen you pick off a moose moving in the brown fall bush at four hundred yards, but even you can't see four miles or so through a moonless Caribbean night.”

“Nor four yards,” admitted Rainsford. “Ugh! It's like moist black velvet.”

“It will be light enough in Rio,” promised Whitney. “We should make it in a few days. I hope the jaguar guns have come from Purdey's. We should have some good hunting up the Amazon. Great sport, hunting.”

“The best sport in the world,” agreed Rainsford.

“For the hunter,” amended Whitney. “Not for the jaguar.”

“Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. “You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?”

“Perhaps the jaguar does,” observed Whitney.

“Bah! They've no understanding.”

“Even so, I rather think they understand one thing — fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.”

“Nonsense,” laughed Rainsford. “This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes — the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters.”

The Most Dangerous Game

“Off there to the right — somewhere — is a large island,” said Whitney. “It's rather a mystery —”

“What island is it?” Rainsford asked.

“The old charts call it ‘Ship-Trap Island’,” Whitney replied. “A suggestive name, isn't it? Sailors have a curious dread of the place. I don't know why. Some superstition —”

“Can't see it,” remarked Rainsford, trying to peer through the dank tropical night that was palpable as it pressed its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht.

“You've good eyes,” said Whitney, with a laugh, “and I've seen you pick off a moose moving in the brown fall bush at four hundred yards, but even you can't see four miles or so through a moonless Caribbean night.”

“Nor four yards,” admitted Rainsford. “Ugh! It's like moist black velvet.”

“It will be light enough in Rio,” promised Whitney. “We should make it in a few days. I hope the jaguar guns have come from Purdey's. We should have some good hunting up the Amazon. Great sport, hunting.”

“The best sport in the world,” agreed Rainsford.

“For the hunter,” amended Whitney. “Not for the jaguar.”

“Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. “You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?”

“Perhaps the jaguar does,” observed Whitney.

“Bah! They've no understanding.”

“Even so, I rather think they understand one thing — fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.”

“Nonsense,” laughed Rainsford. “This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes — the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters.”

Wu Mei

Our view of early history blends written records with legendary stories. Over the ages, documents are lost, tales are told, and new legends emerge. The story of Wu Mei is one such tale. Wu Mei grew up in China in the 1600s, training hard in martial arts in the Shaolin temple. Because of her dedication and skill, Mei eventually became one of the Five Elders of the temple, a guiding figure for others who trained there. Sadly, the temple was destroyed in a war during the Qing Dynasty. Mei escaped, however, and went on to develop a new form of martial arts that could be used by common people after only a short amount of training.

According to legend, Mei developed the new martial arts form after meeting a beautiful young girl who was being forced to marry a bandit. Mei trained the young girl to defend herself so she could not be forced to marry him. Because they had little time to train and because they needed to do it in secret, Mei created a style of martial arts that was useful to smaller or weaker fighters. This form of fighting became known as Wing Chun.

To further improve the fighting style, Mei drew inspiration from the movements of the animals she encountered in daily life. She especially favored the crane's graceful and stealthy motions. By basing her fighting style on animals that were common in all of China, Mei made her fighting technique easy to learn for the masses. Mei's fighting style remains in use even today. Mei's powerful martial arts skills and her understanding of others' struggles let her have a lasting impact in the martial arts world.

Wu Mei

Our view of early history blends written records with legendary stories. Over the ages, documents are lost, tales are told, and new legends emerge. The story of Wu Mei is one such tale. Wu Mei grew up in China in the 1600s, training hard in martial arts in the Shaolin temple. Because of her dedication and skill, Mei eventually became one of the Five Elders of the temple, a guiding figure for others who trained there. Sadly, the temple was destroyed in a war during the Qing Dynasty. Mei escaped, however, and went on to develop a new form of martial arts that could be used by common people after only a short amount of training.

According to legend, Mei developed the new martial arts form after meeting a beautiful young girl who was being forced to marry a bandit. Mei trained the young girl to defend herself so she could not be forced to marry him. Because they had little time to train and because they needed to do it in secret, Mei created a style of martial arts that was useful to smaller or weaker fighters. This form of fighting became known as Wing Chun.

To further improve the fighting style, Mei drew inspiration from the movements of the animals she encountered in daily life. She especially favored the crane's graceful and stealthy motions. By basing her fighting style on animals that were common in all of China, Mei made her fighting technique easy to learn for the masses. Mei's fighting style remains in use even today. Mei's powerful martial arts skills and her understanding of others' struggles let her have a lasting impact in the martial arts world.

Wu Mei

Our view of early history blends written records with legendary stories. Over the ages, documents are lost, tales are told, and new legends emerge. The story of Wu Mei is one such tale. Wu Mei grew up in China in the 1600s, training hard in martial arts in the Shaolin temple. Because of her dedication and skill, Mei eventually became one of the Five Elders of the temple, a guiding figure for others who trained there. Sadly, the temple was destroyed in a war during the Qing Dynasty. Mei escaped, however, and went on to develop a new form of martial arts that could be used by common people after only a short amount of training.

According to legend, Mei developed the new martial arts form after meeting a beautiful young girl who was being forced to marry a bandit. Mei trained the young girl to defend herself so she could not be forced to marry him. Because they had little time to train and because they needed to do it in secret, Mei created a style of martial arts that was useful to smaller or weaker fighters. This form of fighting became known as Wing Chun.

To further improve the fighting style, Mei drew inspiration from the movements of the animals she encountered in daily life. She especially favored the crane's graceful and stealthy motions. By basing her fighting style on animals that were common in all of China, Mei made her fighting technique easy to learn for the masses. Mei's fighting style remains in use even today. Mei's powerful martial arts skills and her understanding of others' struggles let her have a lasting impact in the martial arts world.

Wu Mei

Our view of early history blends written records with legendary stories. Over the ages, documents are lost, tales are told, and new legends emerge. The story of Wu Mei is one such tale. Wu Mei grew up in China in the 1600s, training hard in martial arts in the Shaolin temple. Because of her dedication and skill, Mei eventually became one of the Five Elders of the temple, a guiding figure for others who trained there. Sadly, the temple was destroyed in a war during the Qing Dynasty. Mei escaped, however, and went on to develop a new form of martial arts that could be used by common people after only a short amount of training.

According to legend, Mei developed the new martial arts form after meeting a beautiful young girl who was being forced to marry a bandit. Mei trained the young girl to defend herself so she could not be forced to marry him. Because they had little time to train and because they needed to do it in secret, Mei created a style of martial arts that was useful to smaller or weaker fighters. This form of fighting became known as Wing Chun.

To further improve the fighting style, Mei drew inspiration from the movements of the animals she encountered in daily life. She especially favored the crane's graceful and stealthy motions. By basing her fighting style on animals that were common in all of China, Mei made her fighting technique easy to learn for the masses. Mei's fighting style remains in use even today. Mei's powerful martial arts skills and her understanding of others' struggles let her have a lasting impact in the martial arts world.

Wu Mei

Our view of early history blends written records with legendary stories. Over the ages, documents are lost, tales are told, and new legends emerge. The story of Wu Mei is one such tale. Wu Mei grew up in China in the 1600s, training hard in martial arts in the Shaolin temple. Because of her dedication and skill, Mei eventually became one of the Five Elders of the temple, a guiding figure for others who trained there. Sadly, the temple was destroyed in a war during the Qing Dynasty. Mei escaped, however, and went on to develop a new form of martial arts that could be used by common people after only a short amount of training.

According to legend, Mei developed the new martial arts form after meeting a beautiful young girl who was being forced to marry a bandit. Mei trained the young girl to defend herself so she could not be forced to marry him. Because they had little time to train and because they needed to do it in secret, Mei created a style of martial arts that was useful to smaller or weaker fighters. This form of fighting became known as Wing Chun.

To further improve the fighting style, Mei drew inspiration from the movements of the animals she encountered in daily life. She especially favored the crane's graceful and stealthy motions. By basing her fighting style on animals that were common in all of China, Mei made her fighting technique easy to learn for the masses. Mei's fighting style remains in use even today. Mei's powerful martial arts skills and her understanding of others' struggles let her have a lasting impact in the martial arts world.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Most people have heard of the incredible composer Ludwig van Beethoven, a legendary German musician from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Few know, however, that this musical genius began going deaf in his late twenties.

Beethoven lamented over the injustice of life, that he — a talented composer and musician — could lose his hearing. The earliest record of Beethoven writing about this imparity is from an 1801 letter to his friends, when Beethoven was just 31 years old. Despite his slowly declining sense of hearing, he bravely decided to continue in his career.

By middle age, he had gone almost completely deaf; he had also lost his mother, brother, and father. He had seen his fair share of hardships, between these recent losses, earlier abuse from his alcoholic father, financial difficulty, and, of course, the loss of his most precious sense. He had a multitude of disastrous concerts in which he could not hear what he was playing. He was forced to make the decision to quit performing and only compose. The odds of his life were stacked against him; how is it that he remains one of the most famed musical intellectuals of all time?

Surprisingly, Beethoven’s entire “heroic period” — the time when he composed many of his greatest works — occurred while he was deaf. His most famous works were written in the last ten years of his life, during his “late period”; this included his notable Ninth (and final) Symphony, an act of genius that was unparalleled in the musical world. This man wrote songs, sonatas, and symphonies that he himself would never hear.

Perhaps it is a great tragedy that this genius man lost his hearing, or perhaps it is a triumph. Beethoven embodies a strength unseen in anyone else and a talent that he may have never truly understood. His deafness serves as a testament to his gift; despite his many sufferings, he achieved things of which others could only dream.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Most people have heard of the incredible composer Ludwig van Beethoven, a legendary German musician from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Few know, however, that this musical genius began going deaf in his late twenties.

Beethoven lamented over the injustice of life, that he — a talented composer and musician — could lose his hearing. The earliest record of Beethoven writing about this imparity is from an 1801 letter to his friends, when Beethoven was just 31 years old. Despite his slowly declining sense of hearing, he bravely decided to continue in his career.

By middle age, he had gone almost completely deaf; he had also lost his mother, brother, and father. He had seen his fair share of hardships, between these recent losses, earlier abuse from his alcoholic father, financial difficulty, and, of course, the loss of his most precious sense. He had a multitude of disastrous concerts in which he could not hear what he was playing. He was forced to make the decision to quit performing and only compose. The odds of his life were stacked against him; how is it that he remains one of the most famed musical intellectuals of all time?

Surprisingly, Beethoven’s entire “heroic period” — the time when he composed many of his greatest works — occurred while he was deaf. His most famous works were written in the last ten years of his life, during his “late period”; this included his notable Ninth (and final) Symphony, an act of genius that was unparalleled in the musical world. This man wrote songs, sonatas, and symphonies that he himself would never hear.

Perhaps it is a great tragedy that this genius man lost his hearing, or perhaps it is a triumph. Beethoven embodies a strength unseen in anyone else and a talent that he may have never truly understood. His deafness serves as a testament to his gift; despite his many sufferings, he achieved things of which others could only dream.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Most people have heard of the incredible composer Ludwig van Beethoven, a legendary German musician from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Few know, however, that this musical genius began going deaf in his late twenties.

Beethoven lamented over the injustice of life, that he — a talented composer and musician — could lose his hearing. The earliest record of Beethoven writing about this imparity is from an 1801 letter to his friends, when Beethoven was just 31 years old. Despite his slowly declining sense of hearing, he bravely decided to continue in his career.

By middle age, he had gone almost completely deaf; he had also lost his mother, brother, and father. He had seen his fair share of hardships, between these recent losses, earlier abuse from his alcoholic father, financial difficulty, and, of course, the loss of his most precious sense. He had a multitude of disastrous concerts in which he could not hear what he was playing. He was forced to make the decision to quit performing and only compose. The odds of his life were stacked against him; how is it that he remains one of the most famed musical intellectuals of all time?

Surprisingly, Beethoven’s entire “heroic period” — the time when he composed many of his greatest works — occurred while he was deaf. His most famous works were written in the last ten years of his life, during his “late period”; this included his notable Ninth (and final) Symphony, an act of genius that was unparalleled in the musical world. This man wrote songs, sonatas, and symphonies that he himself would never hear.

Perhaps it is a great tragedy that this genius man lost his hearing, or perhaps it is a triumph. Beethoven embodies a strength unseen in anyone else and a talent that he may have never truly understood. His deafness serves as a testament to his gift; despite his many sufferings, he achieved things of which others could only dream.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Most people have heard of the incredible composer Ludwig van Beethoven, a legendary German musician from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Few know, however, that this musical genius began going deaf in his late twenties.

Beethoven lamented over the injustice of life, that he — a talented composer and musician — could lose his hearing. The earliest record of Beethoven writing about this imparity is from an 1801 letter to his friends, when Beethoven was just 31 years old. Despite his slowly declining sense of hearing, he bravely decided to continue in his career.

By middle age, he had gone almost completely deaf; he had also lost his mother, brother, and father. He had seen his fair share of hardships, between these recent losses, earlier abuse from his alcoholic father, financial difficulty, and, of course, the loss of his most precious sense. He had a multitude of disastrous concerts in which he could not hear what he was playing. He was forced to make the decision to quit performing and only compose. The odds of his life were stacked against him; how is it that he remains one of the most famed musical intellectuals of all time?

Surprisingly, Beethoven’s entire “heroic period” — the time when he composed many of his greatest works — occurred while he was deaf. His most famous works were written in the last ten years of his life, during his “late period”; this included his notable Ninth (and final) Symphony, an act of genius that was unparalleled in the musical world. This man wrote songs, sonatas, and symphonies that he himself would never hear.

Perhaps it is a great tragedy that this genius man lost his hearing, or perhaps it is a triumph. Beethoven embodies a strength unseen in anyone else and a talent that he may have never truly understood. His deafness serves as a testament to his gift; despite his many sufferings, he achieved things of which others could only dream.

Ludwig van Beethoven

Most people have heard of the incredible composer Ludwig van Beethoven, a legendary German musician from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Few know, however, that this musical genius began going deaf in his late twenties.

Beethoven lamented over the injustice of life, that he — a talented composer and musician — could lose his hearing. The earliest record of Beethoven writing about this imparity is from an 1801 letter to his friends, when Beethoven was just 31 years old. Despite his slowly declining sense of hearing, he bravely decided to continue in his career.

By middle age, he had gone almost completely deaf; he had also lost his mother, brother, and father. He had seen his fair share of hardships, between these recent losses, earlier abuse from his alcoholic father, financial difficulty, and, of course, the loss of his most precious sense. He had a multitude of disastrous concerts in which he could not hear what he was playing. He was forced to make the decision to quit performing and only compose. The odds of his life were stacked against him; how is it that he remains one of the most famed musical intellectuals of all time?

Surprisingly, Beethoven’s entire “heroic period” — the time when he composed many of his greatest works — occurred while he was deaf. His most famous works were written in the last ten years of his life, during his “late period”; this included his notable Ninth (and final) Symphony, an act of genius that was unparalleled in the musical world. This man wrote songs, sonatas, and symphonies that he himself would never hear.

Perhaps it is a great tragedy that this genius man lost his hearing, or perhaps it is a triumph. Beethoven embodies a strength unseen in anyone else and a talent that he may have never truly understood. His deafness serves as a testament to his gift; despite his many sufferings, he achieved things of which others could only dream.

Amelia Earhart

It’s the beginning of the twentieth century. Surely a woman cannot fly across the Atlantic. Three women have already died trying to accomplish the same thing. Flying simply isn’t meant for women.

Amelia Earhart heard statements like these and thought nothing of them. In 1928, barely in her thirties, Earhart began planning to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. She joined a team with Wilmer Stultz and Louis E. Gordon and embarked on a flight to change history on June 17, 1928. The feat was accomplished in just 21 hours. Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic!

Why stop there? One record-breaking flight wasn’t enough for Amelia. Now it was time to fly it solo. Only one person in history had done that — and that, of course, was a man.

Earhart and her husband George Putnam planned the flight for her to make history once again. On May 20, 1932, she left Newfoundland, Canada and began a treacherous journey to Paris, France. She faced unfavorable weather and mechanical issues that forced her to land in Ireland, but her journey was still a success. She had done it.

Earhart was awarded the Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society by President Hoover, as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, something that no woman had ever before received. Her hard work paid off; she was finally recognized for her outstanding courage and determination.

Of course, Amelia did not stop her career there. She continued to break records and make history, reaching the highest altitude ever achieved at the time and being the first to fly solo over the Pacific. After a variety of other “firsts,” she had one final goal: to be the first woman to fly around the world.

Sadly, she never saw the end of her trip around the globe. Communications dropped mid-flight over the Pacific, and despite the largest sea search in history, she was never found. Earhart defied all odds and shattered prejudice as well as flight records, and we shall never let her final flight overshadow all that she had accomplished.

Amelia Earhart

It’s the beginning of the twentieth century. Surely a woman cannot fly across the Atlantic. Three women have already died trying to accomplish the same thing. Flying simply isn’t meant for women.

Amelia Earhart heard statements like these and thought nothing of them. In 1928, barely in her thirties, Earhart began planning to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. She joined a team with Wilmer Stultz and Louis E. Gordon and embarked on a flight to change history on June 17, 1928. The feat was accomplished in just 21 hours. Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic!

Why stop there? One record-breaking flight wasn’t enough for Amelia. Now it was time to fly it solo. Only one person in history had done that — and that, of course, was a man.

Earhart and her husband George Putnam planned the flight for her to make history once again. On May 20, 1932, she left Newfoundland, Canada and began a treacherous journey to Paris, France. She faced unfavorable weather and mechanical issues that forced her to land in Ireland, but her journey was still a success. She had done it.

Earhart was awarded the Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society by President Hoover, as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, something that no woman had ever before received. Her hard work paid off; she was finally recognized for her outstanding courage and determination.

Of course, Amelia did not stop her career there. She continued to break records and make history, reaching the highest altitude ever achieved at the time and being the first to fly solo over the Pacific. After a variety of other “firsts,” she had one final goal: to be the first woman to fly around the world.

Sadly, she never saw the end of her trip around the globe. Communications dropped mid-flight over the Pacific, and despite the largest sea search in history, she was never found. Earhart defied all odds and shattered prejudice as well as flight records, and we shall never let her final flight overshadow all that she had accomplished.

Amelia Earhart

It’s the beginning of the twentieth century. Surely a woman cannot fly across the Atlantic. Three women have already died trying to accomplish the same thing. Flying simply isn’t meant for women.

Amelia Earhart heard statements like these and thought nothing of them. In 1928, barely in her thirties, Earhart began planning to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. She joined a team with Wilmer Stultz and Louis E. Gordon and embarked on a flight to change history on June 17, 1928. The feat was accomplished in just 21 hours. Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic!

Why stop there? One record-breaking flight wasn’t enough for Amelia. Now it was time to fly it solo. Only one person in history had done that — and that, of course, was a man.

Earhart and her husband George Putnam planned the flight for her to make history once again. On May 20, 1932, she left Newfoundland, Canada and began a treacherous journey to Paris, France. She faced unfavorable weather and mechanical issues that forced her to land in Ireland, but her journey was still a success. She had done it.

Earhart was awarded the Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society by President Hoover, as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, something that no woman had ever before received. Her hard work paid off; she was finally recognized for her outstanding courage and determination.

Of course, Amelia did not stop her career there. She continued to break records and make history, reaching the highest altitude ever achieved at the time and being the first to fly solo over the Pacific. After a variety of other “firsts,” she had one final goal: to be the first woman to fly around the world.

Sadly, she never saw the end of her trip around the globe. Communications dropped mid-flight over the Pacific, and despite the largest sea search in history, she was never found. Earhart defied all odds and shattered prejudice as well as flight records, and we shall never let her final flight overshadow all that she had accomplished.

Amelia Earhart

It’s the beginning of the twentieth century. Surely a woman cannot fly across the Atlantic. Three women have already died trying to accomplish the same thing. Flying simply isn’t meant for women.

Amelia Earhart heard statements like these and thought nothing of them. In 1928, barely in her thirties, Earhart began planning to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. She joined a team with Wilmer Stultz and Louis E. Gordon and embarked on a flight to change history on June 17, 1928. The feat was accomplished in just 21 hours. Earhart was the first woman to fly across the Atlantic!

Why stop there? One record-breaking flight wasn’t enough for Amelia. Now it was time to fly it solo. Only one person in history had done that — and that, of course, was a man.

Earhart and her husband George Putnam planned the flight for her to make history once again. On May 20, 1932, she left Newfoundland, Canada and began a treacherous journey to Paris, France. She faced unfavorable weather and mechanical issues that forced her to land in Ireland, but her journey was still a success. She had done it.

Earhart was awarded the Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society by President Hoover, as well as the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, something that no woman had ever before received. Her hard work paid off; she was finally recognized for her outstanding courage and determination.

Of course, Amelia did not stop her career there. She continued to break records and make history, reaching the highest altitude ever achieved at the time and being the first to fly solo over the Pacific. After a variety of other “firsts,” she had one final goal: to be the first woman to fly around the world.

Sadly, she never saw the end of her trip around the globe. Communications dropped mid-flight over the Pacific, and despite the largest sea search in history, she was never found. Earhart defied all odds and shattered prejudice as well as flight records, and we shall never let her final flight overshadow all that she had accomplished.