I am interested in history because I believe that to move forward in life and society, we must first look to and learn from the successes and mistakes of the past. By looking back at the past, we can understand the consequences of decisions and how people value and weigh the positives and negatives. History and the rest of the humanities are unique for their opportunities to analyze things from different perspectives. I believe that history is unlike any other subject, as nearly every aspect of society is connected to history. What makes history stand out to me is that it tells stories behind everyday events that have become ingrained in our society. Events like the founding of our country, D-Day, or even the moon landing are brought to life by the breath of history as people listen to the stories told about them. Every law, tradition, or institution exists due to people's decisions, their personalities, and what was going on around them. Understanding these stories helps me appreciate how much our world has changed and reminds me that everything came about because of thoughtful choices rather than simple chance. It encourages me to think that no matter how insignificant someone may seem on the surface, they can leave their mark on the world. I am looking into going into the field of law, and the study of history directly helps with that. By studying history further, I can learn how legal precedent and constitutional interpretation change over time. Even with the Civil Rights movement alone, the legal field saw a vast difference in how the phrase "justice" was interpreted and applied. With a history degree also comes a deep skill set in researching and analyzing content. Both of which can aid me in my pursuit of a legal career. As well, history helps strengthen a sense of critical thinking, evaluating evidence, and communication, all of which are crucial in the field of law, as being able to interpret and communicate is at the forefront of any good lawyer's skill set. Ultimately, I hope to use the lessons of history to advocate for fairness, make informed legal decisions, and make my mark on the legal system by studying and analyzing the decisions of the past. I believe that understanding where the world has been is crucial in helping shape where it goes next, and studying history will give me not only the knowledge and skills to make and impact, but the perspective as well.

To me, public service means making an impact on my local community. When one can impact their community at a regional level, they can inspire minds and help others take the next step in their lives. Through this, we can see profound change in our societies with such a simple step. An impact can be made at any level as well, whether it is providing your services at your local outreach center to soup kitchen, giving away items or clothing that you no longer use, or even tutoring children so that they can pass their classes; impacts can be big and small, but no matter the size, it is the intent to serve that matters. I intend to serve to make the world a better place for the next generations. That seems cliche and that everyone strives for it; however, since the moment I started volunteering at my local outreach center, I have learned not only how satisfying it can be to make an impact but also how much others appreciate such a kind gesture. When I was volunteering, I would help cook breakfast for those in need and then bring it out to tables for them. The feeling that I got after my first "session" volunteering is probably the greatest I have ever had and even now I strive to fulfill my need to help others. Not only can I make an impact and serve my community simply through volunteering, but through my chosen career as well. Earlier this year I had been struggling to think of what I wanted to do with my life after school. I had spent nights wrestling with the question: "How can I make an impact?". So after saying that I wanted to be a doctor, a politician, and a veterinarian, I decided that I wanted to be a teacher. I had realized that I spent so long trying to serve those who needed it most that I had never thought to help people get to the point where they do not need to go to these centers in the first place. Being a teacher will give me the chance to actualize my need to help others. Not only can I help mold young minds but I can also put them on the right path in life. Every day people have the opportunity to help others and they squander it. Instead of simply taking a couple minutes out of their busy schedules to help their fellow man, they go about their day only thinking about themselves. My goal with my chosen career path is to offset those who choose not to help. While teaching, if I could simply set one child on the right path, my choices would have been worth it but ultimately, I aim for more. I strive to make sure that the future of our country and our world make choices that are beneficial to society and to make sure that they must never experience the suffering that many do today.