Stepping off the ship on her return to the United States, she was met by reporters who wanted to know her story. Bessie told them about her journey from Texas to Chicago to Paris and everything she did to become a pilot. Her attitude was clear, “I made up my mind to try. I tried and was successful.” Now that she was home, she decided the best way to make a living was to be a barnstormer, a stunt pilot who performs tricks and thrills audiences at fairs and festivals. But no one in Chicago would teach her such tricks. Undeterred and driven, she earned more money and sailed back to Europe for more lessons and knowledge. This is where Bessie went from a qualified pilot to a fearless daredevil.
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