One out of Forty-Four by Larissa

One out of Forty-Four by Larissa - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

There have been over forty presidents in the history of the United States, and, somehow, the choice of which one to choose to have dinner with was not difficult. Abraham Lincoln’s history as the sixteenth president was unique within itself and is full of notable accomplishments and events that have made, shaped, and changed history. Abraham Lincoln was the first republican president and was in office from 1861 until 1865 when he was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth. I, personally, would enjoy discussing Lincoln’s unique and inspiring presidency so that the history books could come alive, along with the more minuscule facts and accusations that students don’t learn about in history class.
When researching Abraham Lincoln, one can find many purely interesting facts, and myths, about him that are not typical text-book facts. I would occupy a lot of the time at the dinner table discussing this intriguing information. First of all, Lincoln was one among the four presidents in United States history to be assassinated, and he was the first one, nonetheless. This makes him a crucial part of United States history because no matter how many presidents will or could be assassinated in the future, Lincoln will always be the first one. I would also like to discuss with Lincoln the fact that he had no formal education as a child and still managed to become such a successful and well-respected person. The whole idea of coming from essentially nothing, education wise, and turning in to someone so successful is purely astonishing to me. Perhaps the most mysterious and fascinating piece of information about Lincoln is the one that he had a premonition and predicted his own death. I don’t know if this is a fact or a myth, which makes me long to meet Lincoln even more, as I wish I could find the truth from him directly. Although this does not relate directly to his presidency and there are far more important topics to discuss with Lincoln, I would be sure not to leave this question out of our conversation.
Although Lincoln was not as popular at the beginning of his political career, he ultimately changed America for the better and was a great inspirational force in our history. His failures turned into successes, and he became a beloved model of United States history. After he was defeated for state legislature, speaker, nomination in Congress, Senate, vice president, and again for Senate, he was finally elected the sixteenth president of the United States. During his presidency, he had many great accomplishments that changed and shaped history forever. He was president during one of the biggest wars on United States soil, the Civil War. During this time period, he was able to keep the nation united. Perhaps the most outstanding and notable accomplishment Abraham Lincoln had in his entire political career was that fact that he abolished slavery. This single event changed history forever, and will always be taught to younger generations and remembered, forever. Abraham Lincoln greatly impacted his present time. However, he did something not many people have done: he greatly impacted the future of the United States of America as well. If I got a chance to have dinner with Lincoln, these topics would be my priority to discuss, as they are so important to the people of the United States.
Abraham Lincoln had a fascinating and inspiring life both in and out of office. It’s safe to say that he truly did change America for the better through each and every one of his accomplishments. Although impossible, having the privilege to simply talk to Lincoln over dinner would be life-changing for me. There are so many unanswered questions I have for him and so many topics I wish to discuss with him. According to several professional sources and opinions, Lincoln is believed to be one of the best and most effective presidents in all of our history. Personally, I believe he was the most inspiring and unique president the American people have ever elected into office. His life was full of ups and downs, but, ultimately, he made, shaped, and changed history. Perhaps the real question is, “why wouldn’t I want to share dinner with Abraham Lincoln?”