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A Semester of Transformation through American History

Name:

University:

Course number: Name

Instructor:

Due Date:
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Appalling "New" Knowledge by Knowing the History

Looking back on the semester, I went a long way in studying American history and I

have come to comprehend that the process involves more than just the mere acquiring of

knowledge. It is a transformational process. Through Parker Palmer's lens, I have identified five

profound revelations that have reshaped my understanding of history and its implications:

First and foremost, I got a full understanding of a delicate system of powers and

meanings for historical events that individuals and social inequalities are important in it. The

struggle of the Civil Rights Movement can illustrate the scraping of the dust of an entrenched

and encrusted power bulwark.

Secondly, history might be seen as a collection of events which are set in stone but rather

that is a story which will have different tales depending on each narrator. Analyzing historical

sources has forced me into the all-important knowledge that no one’s account of events in history

is objective, which makes me suspect those that you get from textbooks.

Thirdly, the days of studying American history have general become insightful to me of

the global implications of all these past events. The Second World War and the Cold War which

were after the problems as they were spread the world-very clearly demonstrate our social

responsibility as global citizens.

Moreover, for all the obstacles thrown at humanity, history is a clear testimony to the

awesome resilience and strength that humans have displayed. Just as the ages from the past were

filled with examples of struggle on part of sidelined communities and equal women's rights,

these taught me to rise above and never to lose hope or give up on what I want.

Lastly, history is more than that which we try to uncover and portray in the past, it is

what connects the past with the present and the present with the future. Being introduced to
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previous inequalities and people who demanded a change from society, develops my belief in

social justice, and that in order to construct a fairer society one should learn from the past.

A robust connection with course elements, examining primary sources in depth, and

reflecting on historic occurrences have expanded my information and weaned my worldview. I

came to the realization that these events occurred in our not-so-distant past, of which I am a part,

and that have the potential to shape our shared future. This has provided me with a deep

understanding of history but an equal resilience to influence it for the better.

Finding Myself in History

The words by Miriam Makeba " I look at the past and I see myself," stays with me as I

look into the American history over this semester. While time and historical context may differ

greatly, I can often see my own objectives, hopes, dreams, losses, frustrations, and struggles

being manifest. Two examples stand out:

The 60s Civil Rights Movement changed my feelings. Being the one who stands for

equity and fairness, I felt a strong connection to the valor and tenacity of people like Martin

Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks, who led the civil rights movement (Van Bostelen, 2021). The

whole world including myself, who stand against discrimination and oppression, is inspired by

their story.

Secondly, the immigrant experience in America has been such a practical and personal

subject of inquiry for me. Growing up a first-generation immigrant similarly, I can attest to the

inherent nature of dreams, adaptation hardship, and endurance. The acquisition of new

knowledge on the involvement of immigrants in creating a quilt of American society has

solidified my pride of belonging to my cultural origination and inspired me to give the best of

myself to my adopted house.

On these occasions from history, I glance at the mirror images of my own struggles and

journey. This phenomenon makes me realize that no matter how different the situation is the

human experience remains evergreen and it’s worth listening to the people who have lived before

us.

Enriching the World Through Education

Woodrow Wilson’s statement that education should be world-enrichening resonates

perfectly with my experience as a college student. I am driven to express this philosophy in three

key ways:

One of the fundamental factors would be fighting for students' right to education. As I

firmly believe that education should be a tool for the transformation of society, I will aim at

making this quality education accessible for all irrespective of their social and economic

background. I will use the opportunity of volunteering, advocacy, or a career in education policy

to conduct the demolition of acting as the barriers that many individuals have to achieving their

potential.

Additionally to this, I see education as an effective method to achieve social justice. It

creates the foundation for sensitivity, critical examination, and commitment to equality. Having

this weaponry, I will actively take part in the platforming of diversity, inclusiveness, and equality

in all the sectors of the society. By community organizing, activism, or allyship, I get the chance

to build a platform where the defined equity is achieved and the future generations are

guaranteed of living in a better world.

To cap off my thoughts, I see education as being life centered. I am well aware that

learning is more than just formal institutions, thus it is imperative to me to humble myself and

continue to grow personally. This could be through formal education, personal studies, or even
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experiential learning endeavors, depending on what is available. I will, therefore, seek

opportunities to develop a broader perspective, break my judgmental views and positively

contribute to the society.

The eventuality of this whole process has empowered me with the necessary knowledge,

skills, and values to be able to make a change that is worthwhile. Having Wilson's vision ignited

me as I firmly decided to live a life full of zeal and goal while continuously giving service. I am

certain that I can and will work to contribute to the world in more ways than one as an educator

who uses the power of education to build a better world for everyone.
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References

Van Bostelen, L. (2021). Analyzing the Civil Rights Movement: The Significance of Nonviolent

Protest, International Influences, the Media, and Pre-existing Organizations. Political

Science Undergraduate Review, 6(1), 53-61. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29173/psur185