My Journey Through Time: A Lifelong Passion for History
History has been a lifelong fascination for me, with a particular emphasis on American and European history. My passion for history truly began in elementary school, and has only deepened with each passing decade.
History in Elementary School and Beyond
My fascination with history started as early as fourth grade and continued throughout my academic journey until the end of thirteenth grade, with only one teacher failing to engage my interest during that time. The course focused primarily on the World Wars and just one incompetent instructor managed to make that historically significant period less intriguing, which is hard to believe.
My formal study of history was pursued as a double major alongside Anthropology. Along the way, I managed to pick up additional courses on ancient history, and I discovered that American history could be quite fascinating, especially with a keen and engaging professor to guide my learning.
During my final year in high school, we explored the differences between the representative government of the United States and the responsible government found in countries like Canada and the United Kingdom. While it is common knowledge about the American system, the behavior of one presidential candidate during the divisive election presented a glaring reminder of the political spectrum.
In North America, there are three main political parties: Conservatives, Liberals, and the New Democratic Party. Each party has a leader who vies for the position of Prime Minister, and the party with the most seats in the Parliament determines which leader will be responsible to govern. If a ruling party lacks enough support to pass legislation, Parliament may be dissolved, leading to a new election.
Specific Historical Interests
My history interests span a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on American history. From the Native American exploration of North America through the Indian Wars, pre-Colonial America, and the Civil War and World Wars, to the Aztec, Mayan, and Inca civilizations, and European and Asian historical periods, my interest is broad and rich.
Germanic and Slavic history, Greek and Roman civilizations, and even Minoan and Babylonian cultures are areas of interest. While I can't list every topic exhaustively, my curiosity encompasses a vast array of historical periods and regions.
The Influence of My Parents
My parents played a significant role in fostering my love for history. They were deeply involved in American history and archaeology, and my father's involvement in World War II further intensified my curiosity. In addition to regular history classes at school, we also had a comprehensive collection of history books at home. Reading these books became a daily habit for me, and I often spent hours engrossed in National Geographic magazines, which provided fascinating insights into historical events and cultures.
During our trips back East to visit relatives, we would stop at scenic and historical places such as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and museums like Fort Ticonderoga and the Saugus Iron Works. From our home in California, we also took weekend and longer trips to explore places like Death Valley, Yosemite, and historical sites in Old Monterey. These experiences allowed me to see historical places firsthand, deepening my passion for history.
Current Interest in History and Historiography
My interest in history has not waned over the years. I remain passionate about reading, research, and staying current on new archaeological findings and the release of classified documents, particularly those related to the fall of the Soviet Union. This ongoing interest keeps me connected to the ever-evolving narratives of our past, enriching my understanding of historical periods and their impact on the present.
From the fascination with the Holocaust and human behavior to the ongoing study of ancient civilizations and the dynamics of political systems, history continues to captivate and inspire me. My journey through time is far from over, and I look forward to exploring more of history's wonders.