When Bessie Coleman turned 18, she left Texas and moved to Oklahoma, where she enrolled in the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University. After one semester, she relocated to Chicago and began working as a manicurist.
Early Transitions and Education
Upon reaching the age of 18, Bessie Coleman made significant changes in her life, setting the stage for her future endeavors. Her initial steps included:
- Leaving Texas: She departed from her home state of Texas.
- Moving to Oklahoma: Coleman traveled north to Oklahoma, settling in Langston.
- University Enrollment: She enrolled in the Oklahoma Colored Agricultural and Normal University in Langston. This brief period marked her initial foray into higher education.
Relocation to Chicago and First Job
After completing just one semester at the university in Oklahoma, Bessie Coleman decided to pursue new opportunities.
- Heading to Chicago: She made the pivotal move to Chicago, a bustling city offering more prospects.
- Living with Family: Upon arrival in Chicago, she moved in with one of her brothers.
- Working as a Manicurist: To support herself, Coleman secured employment at the White Sox Barber Shop, where she worked as a manicurist. This job provided her with a stable income and a new urban environment, which would later inspire her groundbreaking career in aviation.
These early experiences, including her educational pursuits and initial work in a new city, highlight her determination and drive even at a young age.
