I believe that history is more than just the past and lists of events, since history serves as a roadmap for our actions today and understanding our complex world. My passion for history comes from a desire to understand the "why" behind modern society and to continue learning. Like Ryan T. Herich, I am fascinated by how historical events shape our current world, so I decided I wanted to become a Social Studies teacher so I can help the next generation use the lessons of the past to make the world a better place and to hopefully eventually work in a civil rights museum. As I entered High School i always had an intriguing interest in researching and wanting to know more in my history classes. I didnt always want to pursue a career in history, as I was always looked down upon because I was "Smarter" than that, and I should go into the medical field. That would've been my biggest mistake, as I can help improve the world much more by pursuing this passion to teach and grow. My history classes taught me to understand mistakes, why they were made, how, and what actions were taken to fix them. I joined clubs and took on leadership opportunities as the shy student who never had the chance, but when I made it into Officer positions that felt like a surreal dream, I took that position to be the leader that shined the light on those who worked in silence. A strong leader wouldn't brag about their success, so I made sure I encouraged those who were afraid to be praised. I made the conclusion that I will do all in my power to succeed and learn from my mistakes of letting others put me down. To improve the future, we must first understand the mistakes and successes of those who came before us. As a teacher, I plan to show my students that history is an active tool for change and that being a historian means you can research and provide factual information about events. When students learn about past conflicts, social movements, or political shifts, they gain the critical-thinking skills needed to address today’s challenges that could very well affect them. I want to move beyond textbooks and encourage my students to engage in bold discussions about how historical patterns repeat themselves in our daily lives and to never be afraid to speak up to make a change, like I once was. An informed and brighter future begins with well-educated students who can properly navigate this world, knowing why things are and how they can help to fix it. After gaining experience leading students to great futures, I want ot invest in civil rights organizations and museums to help preserve the great accomplishments made and to continue investing in a future that I had a tangible opportunity to participate in. I want to honor Ryan T. Herich’s legacy by keeping the spirit of historical inquiry alive. Making a change doesnt always require the most publicized gestures, as change also happens in a classroom when a student finally connects a lesson from 100 years ago to a problem we are facing today. As an active member and officer for Rho Kappa, I learned to serve my community and to give back to what helped shape me. And with the support of this scholarship, I will dedicate my career to ensuring that the wisdom of history is used to build a more thoughtful and peaceful world for generations to come.