Marie Curie's Early Life and Education
Marie Curie, born Maria Salomea Skłodowska in 1867, overcame significant challenges in her early life to become one of the most renowned scientists in history. Growing up in Russian-occupied Poland, she faced political oppression and financial hardship, which shaped her resilient character and passion for knowledge.
Highlight: Marie Curie was born into a family of educators, being the youngest of five children.
Her childhood was marked by tragedy when her mother died of tuberculosis when Marie was just ten years old. This loss deeply affected young Marie, contributing to her shy nature. Despite these difficulties, she excelled academically, graduating at the top of her class at the age of 16 in 1883.
Example: The Russian occupation of Poland meant that Polish culture and language were suppressed, forcing students like Marie to learn in Russian at school.
Marie's interest in physics began during her school years, but as a woman, she was denied access to higher education in Poland. Undeterred, she sought knowledge through a "flying university," a secret organization that provided underground education to Polish youth.
Vocabulary: Flying university - Privately organized, secret educational meetings held at changing locations to evade Russian authorities.
To pursue her dreams of studying in France, where women were allowed to attend university, Marie first worked as an educator to finance her sister Bronia's medical studies. This selfless act demonstrates Marie's dedication to education and family.
Quote: "One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done." - Marie Curie
In 1891, at the age of 24, Marie finally moved to Paris to study at the Sorbonne University. Her determination and hard work paid off as she excelled in her studies, completing degrees in physics and mathematics.