Mary Engle Pennington
Storyboard Text
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- Library in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1884
- I wonder what the library has for me today...
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- Hello Mary!
- Hi, Mrs. Lincoln! Do you have any new books for me?
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- Actually, I do! I left it at your usual spot.
- Great!
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- Medical Chemistry
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- Medical Chemistry
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- At only 12 years old, Mary started her intensive research
- Or learning of all the different types of chemistry and science.
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- These subjects were chemistry, biology, and hygiene
- From the very beginning, Mary knew what she wanted to study
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- Little did Mary know, this book on Medical Chemistry was only the start of her interest in the science field
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- Although all of it was interesting, she did have her preferred subjects as well
- Mary then spent the rest of the summer reading books on the same topics, expanding her knowledge
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- She didn't know it yet but in the future, she would help thousands with her techniques is food preservation
- When Mary was old enough she was able to attend college seeking her degree
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- Finally, one of the top in her class, Mary was able to graduate
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- As she grew older she continued to read, eager to learn more and more
- But, not everything went as well as one would think...
- Sorry Mary, but women don't earn degrees in college. You can have a certificate though!
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- Completion of Course
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- Feeling discouraged, Mary was uncertain of what to do.
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- But then...
- Mary!
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- Mary, faced a roadblock, stopping her from pursuing her degree and therefore, making it impossible to get a job in the category she studied for. Only being allowed a certificate and a thumbs up
- One of the professors at the university recognized Mary for who she was. A person who just wanted to expand her knowledge in her chosen field. He made it so that she was able to study under him
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- Mary continued to study under Prof. Edgar Fahs Smith during her time as a doctorate student
- Day 111
- Day 111
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- She never allowed her work to overtake her and worked harder than anyone else in the program
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- At the end of her time in the program she passed with flying colors and was the number one student of her class
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- After graduating, Mary accepted a position as an instructor in physiological chemistry at the Women's Medical College
- Then working for a bit, Mary decided to go a bit farther, and open up her own business, successfully opening the Philadelphia Clinical Laboratory with one of her college colleagues
- A bit later, she was asked to head the bacteriological laboratory for the Philadelphia Department of Health and Charities. This opened her eyes to the world of germs and refrigeration
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- Mary started becoming more well known in the world of science and soon, lots of renown scientists admiring her
- But around this time, the food safety in the US was taken more seriously than ever, the government creating the Food Research Lab to help gain insight into ways to make food safer.
- With this new Lab created there was also a new need for a job, one the one person though perfect for Mary.
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- Mary! I have great news! There's a new position In your field that's perfect for you!
- Professor! Why do you insist on telling me things like this?? You know no one would ever hire a woman!
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- Mary! You need to step up and keep going! You've gone this far and can't give up now!
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- Unknowingly, her professor submitted the application for her, using her initials instead of her first name
- Since she was top of her class in getting her PhD, she was chosen as the first candidate for the job
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- Mary was rightfully upset about it an when receiving the acceptance for the position told them of her gender
- Because of the time, since women weren't seen as 'right' for the position, they immediately revoked her acceptance
- Though she thought it was the end, her professor knew it wasn't and contacted the office, convincing them to accept her
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- One actually becoming the Chief, Mary realized that maybe she did have what it took and that she wasn't the problem, society was.
- She worked tirelessly every day trying to come up with solutions for food preservation, figuring out proper cooling methods, hygiene protocols, and more.
- As time passed, Pennington was trusted more, and discovered more about food preservation.
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- She even created a design for the modern egg crate, which protects eggs while traveling. An idea that may seem obvious to us now but only thought of and put into practice originally by her.
- Although living her dream, Mary eventually resigned from her position in order to become a consultant for food companies as her own boss
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- Although facing many roadblocks throughout her life, Mary's story should inspire those around to never give up
- Even if it feels like there may be obstacles in the way, there's always a chance you can make the world a better place.
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- There it is!
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