Human History by Blaise

Human History by Blaise - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

Is it possible for a person create a positive history for the next generation to learn from? One of the best lessons I leaned from a teacher is that it is possible. You do not have to do something grand, be famous, or rich, in order to create a positive legacy. You can create a positive legacy simply by living a positive life, focusing on the present and doing something each day that represents you in a positive light. This was such an important lesson because it taught not only myself, but other students, many valuable lessons that can be carried far beyond the classroom. Having good morals and ethics is important, focusing on what you have control of on a daily basis is beneficial, and everything you do on a day to day basis effects the future in some way.
In the classroom, everyone knows there are some things you cannot do, one of those things is cheating. Our teacher told us he would not monitor if we cheated. He said even if he monitored us, he could not catch all cheating. If a person made a decision to cheat, they may benefit from it at the time, however, this would not be beneficial to the person in the long run. This would not be creating a positive history for that person. This is a lesson that can be carried on to all aspects of life. We all have choices to make on a daily basis. If you choose to make a bad decision, it could affect many people, but it may just affect you. Good morals and ethics is usually what keeps people from making bad decisions. As adults, we cannot be constantly monitored. We have to choose on a daily basis to make good decisions. Every day is a new beginning to make positive choices.
We can only focus on one day at a time. There will be plenty of times in life that we will try to focus on what will happen tomorrow, next week, or next year. Focusing on things that are beyond our control and cannot be dealt with in the present is not beneficial. My teacher explained, today will eventually be a day in your history. You have to focus on doing all you can to make this day the best day possible. Imagine how your life would be if you did that every single day. Imagine how your life would be if you did not do that every single day.
Everything you do effects the future in some way. Simple decisions can make a huge impact on the history you are creating and the future you will have. What if you went left instead of going right? Who would you meet? What would you see? Not all choices will be so simple, but all the choices you make on a daily basis are part of the larger picture that is your life. It is important to make the best of every opportunity you have to make a choice.
Teachers have the privilege and responsibility of teaching students many lessons. One of the greatest lessons a teacher can teach may not have anything to do with something learned out of a book, but something that the student will remember and carry with him or her for the rest of his or her life. Living your life in such a way that you are creating a history you will be proud of, is one of the greatest lessons I learned from a History Teacher.