Maria Montessori was born on August 31, 1870 in Ciraraville near Acona, Italy. Her father was an Italian army officer, and he saw no need in educating young girls. When Maria was little and going to school she wanted to become an actress, but when she got older she wanted to be an mathematician. She went to a school that would teach her more, and she then decided to become an engineer instead of a mathematician. Her father was furious at the idea of his young girl becoming an engineer. She then decided to settle on being a doctor. Her father was still angry, but he let her do it.