Historical Dinner by Maddison

Historical Dinner by Maddison - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

If I could have dinner with any historical figure, I would eat with Christopher Columbus. Columbus was one of the first people to document the sights of the North American continent. Dinner with him would be, not only entertaining, but also very informative.
I would like to talk to Columbus about his adventurous travels and exciting discoveries. Rather than finding out about his experiences through books or journals, I would get a first-hand description of our country prior to the formation of big, urbanized cities. Hearing about his time in America would be eye-opening because I would be given the opportunity to ask questions and get clarification on what happened.
Columbus is also infamous for his treatment toward the natives. Given the chance to talk to him, I would ask him about his ruthless cruelty for these “Indians.” This would give me the ability to inform him of his legacy and an unjust explorer to all natives and understand his viewpoint during his actions. Being the curious person I am, talking to Columbus would be my main focus, rather than eating.
Leaving from this experience, I would become known as the girl to get the honest, face-to-face description of Christopher Columbus’ life. Instead of the fabricated explanation we get in modern history classes, I would then be the first person to write and publish the documentation of American history.