How Social Studies Opened My Eyes by Makayla

How Social Studies Opened My Eyes by Makayla - August 2016 Scholarship Essay

Most American citizens know that we gained our independence on July 4, 1776, and that George Washington was our first president. Although, many citizens know little else about our history. For example, few people know that the Seven Years War actually spanned a total of nine years. Social studies as a general subject has taught me the most throughout my three years of high school.
My freshman year, I took American Government for a semester. Before taking this class, I had absolutely no idea how our government was set up, or how it all functions together. I learned about checks and balances within the three branches of government that help to keep citizens safe from the government itself. I learned about the electoral college and voting. This past year I took A.P. U.S. History, and it was easily one of my favorite classes. I learned how America came to be the great and powerful nation that it is today. Our military has fought in so many wars and so many battles to keep and earn the freedom that we often take for advantage. Along with that, I learned the importance of women during World War II. The power behind the lines: bullet makers, nurses, and so much more. The Industrial Revolution helped bring America to the technological point it is at today, with the introduction of trains and steamboats. These classes are the ones that will be useful in everyday life. As a citizen, I will be able to have more educated conversations concerning where we live today. Once I am eighteen, and am able to vote, I will be able to make a more educated decision about who to vote for.
If I am being totally honest, social studies was never my favorite subject in school. I have always been more of a math and science person. I like that these subjects are straight-forward; there is always only one answer to a problem. However, I have come to greatly appreciate social studies throughout my years of high school. I realized how important all of the information is. My eyes have been opened to a new subject area that I now enjoy. I find it amazing how well so many people can work together (most of the time) to make a government work, or to win a war. I also find it fascinating that America has had a working government since we became a country. Of course some things have changed, but the basis of government has been the same for centuries. Our government has stood a test of time, and continues to do so.
Especially with the election coming up, American Government was a great class to have taken. It gives students a general idea on the issues being discussed, especially amendment issues. Then, when it is time for students to pick a political party, they are more informed and can make a decision based on their knowledge of and opinions of the issues. Even those of us who don’t watch the news as much as we should, have a base to go off of from the classes we have taken in school.
In conclusion, the subject that I have learned the most from in school is social studies. It is the subject that I can easily transfer to the “real world” after high school. It helped me to grow as a student because it made me a more flexible student. I used to have no interest in the material, but I had to take it, and ended up loving the classes, while learning a lot.