"We are not makers of history. We are made by history" - Martin Luther King, Jr. by Andrew

"We are not makers of history. We are made by history" - Martin Luther King, Jr. by Andrew - August 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I was a professor, what subject would I teach? History of course! Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had an interest in history. But of course, when I was kid the only exciting things to learn about were which side was ‘good’, which one was ‘bad’, and which one had bigger guns. Politics, philosophies, war leaders/criminals, and strategies didn’t interest me let alone were entertaining. However, as I grew older the signs that I carelessly passed by in museums my family and I often visited became more and more noticeable; I actually – to my surprise – stopped, and started taking the time to read them carefully and intently. Now when I think about, it almost seemed like “the table had flipped”. Today I have no interest for which side was ‘good’ or ‘bad’; which country had bigger, more advanced weaponry; and which country was represented by recognizable, iconic leaders such as George Washington or Winston Churchill.

I became fascinated with the “behind the scenes” work, taking in every ounce of information I came across and making connections to other historical events during that time. But my passion about the past didn’t come to life on its own, I mostly owe it to my dad. It’s almost scary sometimes to see how much my dad and I are alike with similar characteristics, career fields, opinions, even down to what types of comedy we like. Granted there are some subjects that he and I avoid such as technology, business, and (our least favorite) methods of organizing. But history though is the subject both of us understand, love, and appreciate because of the many influences it has on today. The other day, I was engaged in a conversation with my dad about Japan’s isolation/emersion, European mobilization, and the progress/recovery of Europe following World War Two. My family has always said that my dad would make a fantastic history teacher, but he always comes back with a sarcastic voice and smile saying, “Oh, I’d love to be a history teacher…if it wasn’t for all the kids”. I myself would love to be a history teacher, teaching a subject which has an unseen importance in our everyday lives. For example, when we make a statement, refer to a historical document, or recall an article from the newspaper we don’t truly and fully understand the origin and story surrounding it.

College is just around the corner for me and I’m attending a well – established university that has a story behind every brick and nail which I can’t wait to uncover as I pursue a degree in architecture. Luckily for me, my classes are taught in one of the oldest buildings in the university! I was filled with joy and wonder during my college visit as I toured the historical structure and campus. Everything had a story from the exposed hand carved timber frames in the attic, the brick archways, to even the patched – up hole in the window after a blustery storm from years ago (or was it a baseball…oops!). Even though some say history is mostly ‘dead’ and in nothing but ruins, it’s what keeps us alive and is rebuilding itself secretly before our eyes through the media, government, and our everyday actions. To teach such a subject which many don’t see the power and lessons it holds would be a dream come true maybe even an honor but all the while enjoyable and forever repeating.