As a high school student in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, I have had the opportunity to explore various topics in-depth through my Extended Essay (EE). After much consideration, I have chosen to focus on the WASP pilots of World War II. These brave women played a crucial role in the war effort, yet their contributions have often been overlooked or forgotten.

I decided to focus on the WASP pilots because they deserve more attention and recognition for their service to our country. As a fellow woman, their determination and courage inspire me to pursue my own aspirations and overcome any obstacles I may face. Through this write-up, I aim to shed light on their important role in World War II and share their remarkable story with a wider audience.

My EE will explore the history of the WASP program and its impact on the war effort, as well as the challenges and discrimination that these women faced. I will also examine the controversy surrounding their lack of recognition and closure after the war, and the efforts made to rectify this decades later.

• Started by conducting a thorough literature review of secondary sources on the WASP program and the role of women in World War II.

• Identified key themes and arguments in the secondary sources, and noted any gaps or areas where further research was needed.

• Searched for primary sources, such as government documents, speeches, and personal diaries, to gain a firsthand perspective on the experiences of the WASP pilots.

• Reached out to the archives and libraries (especially University of Texas Austin and my high school library) that held these primary sources to obtain digital copies or make arrangements to access them in person.

• Conducted interviews with WASP pilots family members to gain additional insights and perspectives on their experiences.

• Took into account the values and limitations of each primary source, such as its bias, audience, purpose, and context.

• Examined the origins and sources of each primary source to determine its reliability and credibility as evidence.

• Analyzed the historical context of the WASP program and the broader social and political climate of World War II to understand the motivations and challenges facing these women.

• Considered multiple perspectives and identified key arguments and counterarguments surrounding the role and recognition of the WASP pilots.

• Looked at the evidence through a non-biased and critical lens to construct a clear and coherent answer to my research question and support my overall argument.

• Utilized a variety of sources beyond primary and secondary sources, including historical films, government house reports, and database information, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic and further support my argument.

• Consulted with my EE supervisor and other historians to get feedback on my approach and ensure that my analysis and argument were rigorous and well-supported.