History is my favorite story

Throughout my time in school, history has always been the most fascinating subject to me. I love it because you do not need any tools, such as calculators, compasses, rulers and protractors for math. There are no "unknown substances" that could kill you, unlike the chemistry laboratory. Lastly history is unlike English and other foreign languages because there are few conventional rules, grammar points or correct ways to write about your experience. It is only you, someone's experience and the parts of their story they wish to share. You cannot offend the person who wrote the story; they are probably deceased with only their achievements recognized.

There have been many great scholars and geniuses that date as far back as the ancient Chinese to more modern figures such as Einstein, Dr. King Jr. or Steve Jobs, that have dramatically altered the course of human life. These great figures are almost heroes but looking back, there are many "villains" too. But, are they really villains? Do there have to be bad guys to be good guys? Some examples of these types of relationships are James Buchanan and Abraham Lincoln, Tetzel and Martin Luther, or the British imperialist policies and Gandhi's non-violent movement. For me, a true hero is a free thinker or someone who risked their life for the well being of others. I cannot decide who the villains are because there are many things that make you good and bad, benevolent or maleficent. Without the bad, there could be no good, which is why history is great. It recognizes "the good, the bad and the ugly."

However, there are also parts of history that make you question your own values and what you stand for. When there is a debate about human rights in class, should you feel bad not agreeing with the general majority? Not at all. A lot of history is horrible, for example, the atrocities of slavery, the numerous acts of genocide and even the denial of certain freedoms. Being a young student makes you feel powerless when you believe you can try to change some of these massive global problems, but in reality, the more you know, the more you are helping. History repeats it's self. Maybe the next time (hopefully there will not be) a large scale global issue, you will be a member of the US Government and you will actually be able to make a change. Education is the key to opportunity.


On the other hand, there are always critics. Some critic could write a nasty comment about the NY Times Best Seller but it does not make that a bad book. History is the same way. Even though people may think one thing about an event, an idea or a piece of literature, that does not mean their way or your way is right or wrong. Everyone sees a different perspective, which is what makes a history student's experience truly unique.

History is just another story, except it allows you to create your own heroes, villains, images and opinions. The subject is quite dry for many, but, if you open your mind to a different interpretation, it can change the entire way you look at life- past, present and future.