Simar B.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver Heritage Fair

Queen of Hurricanes: A Real Comic Book Hero

Queen of the Hurricanes, inspirational women, war hero, feminist, brave engineer, Canada’s first female engineer, world’s first female aircraft designer engineer. It doesn't matter how you describe her she will always be Elise MacGill. She wanted to be an engineer for a very long time, but there were no female engineers in all of Canada so she would have to work really hard. At first her family was quite un supporting, but they soon grew to realize her idea was amazing! She became Canada’s first female engineer and North America’s first female electrical engineer. Her celebration was soon cut short because she found out she had paralyzed legs, but that didn’t stop her! She later built an amazing training plane which lead her to being the worlds first female aeronautical engineer! She also built one of the best fighter planes for World War II called the Hawker Hurricane. That's how she got her nickname “Queen of the Hurricanes.” She was also on the short list for being on the bank note, but unfortunately she didn't make it. She is an amazing role model and inspiration to people all over the world including my self because her accomplishments made me feel safe to say I want to be someone who will change the world someday just like Elsie MacGill did.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

I learned that it doesn't matter who you are or what gender you are, you can always follow your dreams no matter what people say about it. Everyones ideas are awesome. We should be proud to know that the first female aircraft designer was a Canadian. The only reason why there are women building planes and rockets is because of Elsie. Always believe in yourself because you could change the whole world if you stick with your dream.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I learned that Elsie didn't have much support, but with the support she had she changed Canada, North America and the whole world! She always believed in herself and kept on trying to achieve her goals. She also did a dangerous test flight for one of the planes she built called the Maple Leaf Trainer II. They weren't even sure the plane could stay together, so it was a very big risk. She was the only female engineer in all of Canada and on top of that she had paralyzed legs, yet she was the only one to volunteer. She was a very brave woman. Another thing I learned was that when she got her first job, she got fired just a couple years later because she had a very close relationship with the boss of the company. Some people say their relationship was too close. Almost all the things I learned about her will stay with me for all my life because she was an amazing person who I think should be remembered forever!

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

Women treated back then compared to life now is quite different, but it is a good difference. In the 19th century women were treated like they were maids. All they did was chores, but because of Elsie everyone understood that women are equally as important as everyone. Women can do just as many things as men. For example the only reason why we have car heaters is because of Margret Wilcox. We all use car heaters in the winter and it's because of her. Women are thankfully being treated better then we were before. At least women now are aloud to have any job they want with Elsie's help.