History has always been my favorite subject, so when it came time to choose my major and consider a future career, it was no surprise to anyone that I chose History with the intention of becoming a history teacher. Going into HIST 1995, the Introduction to History class at LMU, I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but the course ultimately exceeded every expectation. Professor Rosenthal welcomed us warmly and introduced us to new analytical ways of understanding what history really is. Through this course, I’ve come to see that history is not just the past; it is a reflection of our progress and a reminder of how far we have come. I’ve always viewed history as a way to learn from our mistakes, but this class helped me recognize that it is also a story of growth, change, and resilience. History is never as boring or distant as people sometimes assume; instead, it is a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and the world around us. I also learned that the study of history involves much more than reading textbooks. It asks us to analyze primary sources, question whose voices are represented, and acknowledge whose voices are missing. Throughout the semester, while examining primary sources, I began to notice how many narratives were written by people who were not part of the communities they described. The perspectives of the people actually being written about were often left out entirely. This realization made the purpose of studying history feel even more urgent. Not every voice that deserves to be heard will make it into the record, which means historians must work to recognize, recover, and appreciate the voices that were overlooked. HIST 1995 also taught me that history is full of multiple perspectives, and that there is never just one “correct” narrative. The study of history requires critical thinking, patience, and the willingness to challenge easy answers. Sitting in a classroom with the head of the department, who is also my advisor, and discussing what is happening right here in Los Angeles made me appreciate the living, evolving nature of historical study. As a history major, I hope to gain a well-rounded understanding of the world and develop the analytical skills needed to interpret it thoughtfully. I have always loved U.S. history, but this semester has shown me how valuable it is to reach out and study other regions as well. Even though I plan to teach high school U.S. History, I’m open to falling in love with other subjects as I continue at LMU. One of the things I value most about being a history major is the flexibility it offers. Critical thinking and strong analysis skills create opportunities in any field, and I appreciate that this major allows room for creativity and intellectual growth. Overall, my experience in HIST 1995 has been a gift. It confirmed why I chose history in the first place and strengthened my excitement for what lies ahead.