A Unique Story by Madeleine

A Unique Story by Madeleine - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

Everyone has a story to tell. Every United States president has a story to tell and it is a story that goes beyond the history facts. George Washington could tell of what it was really like to be the first president of the United States, James Monroe could tell of what led him to the decision to create the Monroe Doctrine, Abraham Lincoln could tell of what it was like to be the leader of a nation torn by civil war, Chester A. Arthur could tell of what he actually did during his presidency, Franklin D. Roosevelt could tell of how he managed to lead the nation through the Great Depression, and Ronald Regean could tell of what it was like to be president during a constant threat of destruction. Each president has a unique story, but if I could only sit down to dinner with one I would have to choose Harry S. Truman and there are three main reasons why.
The first reason I would want to talk with Harry S. Truman is so that I could ask him what it was like to suddenly become president during the biggest war in the history of the world. Harry S. Truman wasn’t planning on becoming president. He was the vice president, but with the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt he became president during one of the worst times in the world. I would want to ask him how he managed to bear the sudden weight and responsibility that was placed on his shoulders.
The second reason why is because I would want to talk to him about World War II. I am fascinated with World War II and it would be incredibly interesting to talk with one of the world leaders during that time. War is painful and hard for everyone, but I can’t even begin to imagine what it would be like to have a nation depending on you during a time of war. I would want to ask him how he felt and learn as many details about the war as I possibly could.
The third reason I would choose Harry S. Truman is because I want to know how he was able to make the decision to use the atomic bomb. Deciding to drop two bombs that will kill tens of thousands of people is not a decision that an ordinary human can just make, so I have often wondered how he did it and how he felt afterwards.
I would love to hear the stories of each president, but if I could choose just one it would be Harry S. Truman. Like every other president his is a unique story that pulls me in and besides, who wouldn’t want to talk to someone with the middle name of “S”?