Say Hello to History

At eighteen, immersed in a new collegiate world, the possibilities seemed endless, and planning for the future seemed so far away. At least for myself, I majored in something fun and interesting, not thinking about my future with that subject. Like many young college students, I changed my major three times— first Theater, then Philosophy, and finally History. It didn’t matter what I studied because adults always came to the same conclusion: “Oh so you want to be a teacher?”

No.

Seeing all the possibilities the humanities had to offer, my eighteen-year-old self cringed at the thought of limiting myself to teaching.

History is not set in stone, it is an evolving understanding
of the past and its relationship to the present

Growing up, I was very passionate about learning. When I was eight my mom bought an illustrated encyclopedia of world history. It was my go to bedtime book, prompting nightmares about guillotines and the black plague. At thirteen, inspired by the movie Evita, I check out every book I could possibly find on Eva Perón at my local library. By my freshman year, I knew more about Greek mythology, culture and history than my teacher. Because of teachers, I was able to say hello to history. 

I was born to be a historian. But I never would have known, had it not been for some incredible teachers who opened my eyes to my own potential. Nearly a decade later, the knee-jerk reaction against teaching has been replaced with a new understanding. 

All historians are teachers. Dedicated to the study and interpretation of the past, historians play an essential role in society. Whether it is a story of triumph or horrific loss, history gives meaning and context to our world today. History goes beyond the classroom. Even if we don't realize it, history shapes the way we see ourselves and our world. 

So let's do it. Let's say hello to history.