In a remarkable display of ingenuity and social responsibility, 13-year-old Rebecca Young from Glasgow has been honored as one of Time magazine’s “Girls of the Year” for her innovative creation aimed at assisting homeless individuals during harsh weather conditions. Her invention, a solar-powered heated blanket, embodies both creativity and empathy, showcasing how a student’s simple observation can lead to life-changing solutions.
Rebecca, a pupil at Kelvinside Academy, conceptualized this blanket while participating in an engineering club at her school when she was only 12 years old. The idea sprang from her heartfelt observations of the significant plight of homeless people enduring the unforgiving cold of Glasgow nights. Recognizing the dire need for warmth and comfort, she resolved to create something that could help them. She explained, “Seeing all the homeless people, it made me want to help – it’s a problem that should be fixed.”
The science behind Rebecca’s blanket is quite ingenious. By harnessing solar power during the day, the blanket collects and stores heat in a battery pack. This stored energy can then provide warmth to its user during the freezing nights when homeless individuals often struggle to find refuge. She stated, “During the day, the heat from the sun can energize the solar panels and they go into a battery pack that can store the heat. When it’s cold at night, people can use the energy stored in the battery pack to sleep on.”
With her innovative idea in hand, Rebecca participated in a national competition, the UK Primary Engineer initiative, where her concept outshone entries from over 70,000 pupils. Her invention caught the eye of the engineering firm Thales, which ultimately transformed her vision into a working prototype. So far, 35 of these unique solar-powered blankets have been distributed to Homeless Project Scotland, providing much-needed warmth and comfort to those living on the streets.
Rebecca’s achievement did not go unnoticed and led her to be included in the prestigious list of ten inspiring girls recognized by Time magazine. Jessica Sibley, the chief executive of Time, emphasized that the list aims to shine a light on individuals who are transforming their imaginative ideas into tangible change, something that Rebecca exemplified perfectly. Her mother, Louise, expressed immense pride, remarking on the journey from a mere drawing to an actual product that could provide assistance.
In celebration of her recognition, Rebecca has even been made into a Lego mini-figure, reflecting the award’s partnership with the Danish toy manufacturer. Speaking on this surreal experience, she remarked, “It’s both really cool and crazy.” The honor also includes a feature on a digital cover of Time magazine, where Rebecca joins the ranks of other remarkable girls changing the world around them.
Meanwhile, as she is being celebrated as an innovator and role model, Rebecca also shared her aspirations outside of engineering. Despite her impressive accomplishments in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), she mentioned a desire to pursue a career in music. “All my friends think it’s awesome,” she notes regarding her new-found fame, but her dream remains firmly rooted in the creative world of music.
Beyond her achievements, Rebecca has advice for other girls interested in STEM. She encourages them to join clubs and have conversations about their ideas, emphasizing that such interactions can help grow their creativity and confidence.
Colin McInnes, the founder of Homeless Project Scotland, celebrated Rebecca’s invention, illustrating how it provides crucial support to those forced to sleep rough due to shelter shortages. He maintained that having such blankets could offer a significant source of warmth and comfort during cold nights.
Ultimately, the story of Rebecca Young serves as a shining illustration of how youthful enthusiasm channeled into constructive action can lead to profound societal contributions. As she joins her fellow honorees who are similarly revolutionizing their communities, Rebecca stands as a beacon of hope and creativity for future generations. The recognition she received encapsulates the essence of innovation fuelled by compassion and the potential for young minds to enact real change in the world.
