Blog #1 Ayme Salcedo

 

Blog Post #2 – Ayme Salcedo

June 2026

My Experience Learning About the Change Makers of the 1900s

Working on our Change Makers presentation was one of the most interesting group projects I have participated in so far. At first, I thought it would simply be another presentation where everyone researches a historical figure, creates a few slides, and presents their information. However, as I listened to my classmates and learned more about the people who helped shape the twentieth century, I realized that this project was about much more than history. It was about understanding how ordinary people can create extraordinary change.

For my part of the presentation, I chose Martin Luther King Jr. Researching his life and accomplishments reminded me why he continues to be one of the most respected leaders in American history. What impressed me the most was that he fought for equality through peaceful methods during a time when racism and segregation were deeply rooted in society. His famous "I Have a Dream" speech is still remembered today because it gave people hope and encouraged them to believe that change was possible. Learning more about his work helped me understand how courage, determination, and strong communication can inspire millions of people.

One thing I enjoyed about this project was listening to my classmates present their own changemakers. Even though we were all studying people from the same century, each person made an impact in a completely different way.

One presentation that caught my attention was Theodore Roosevelt. Before this project, I knew he had been president, but I did not fully understand how much influence he had on the role of government in the United States. I learned that Roosevelt believed the president should actively help solve problems instead of simply observing them. His Square Deal policies focused on fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses. I also found it interesting that he worked to protect natural resources and national parks. His efforts showed that leadership is not only about making decisions but also about taking responsibility for future generations.

Another changemaker that I found inspiring was Rosa Parks. Most people know her because she refused to give up her seat on a bus, but through the presentation I realized that her impact went much deeper than that single moment. Her decision became a symbol of resistance against injustice and encouraged many others to join the Civil Rights Movement. What impressed me most was her courage. She stood up for what was right even though she knew there could be serious consequences. Her story reminded me that sometimes a single action can influence an entire nation.

I was also fascinated by Marie Curie. Science has never been my strongest subject, so I was surprised by how much I enjoyed learning about her. Marie Curie made groundbreaking discoveries in radioactivity and became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. What stood out to me was not only her intelligence but also her perseverance. She succeeded in a field that was largely dominated by men and continued her research despite many obstacles. Her work eventually contributed to important medical advances that continue to help people today. Listening to her story reminded me that determination and education can open doors that once seemed impossible.

Another presentation I enjoyed was about Henry Ford. Before this project, I mainly associated Ford with cars, but I learned that his impact was much larger than that. By introducing the moving assembly line, he changed the way products were manufactured around the world. His innovations made automobiles affordable for ordinary families and transformed transportation forever. It was interesting to see how one idea could influence industries far beyond automobiles. Today, many manufacturing systems still use principles that were inspired by Ford's methods.

I also found the presentations about Franklin D. Roosevelt and John Mitchell very informative. Franklin D. Roosevelt helped lead the country during the Great Depression and World War II. His New Deal programs provided jobs and support for millions of Americans during difficult times. His leadership demonstrated the importance of remaining calm and focused during crises. John Mitchell, on the other hand, fought for workers' rights and safer working conditions. Learning about his efforts helped me better understand the challenges many workers faced during the early twentieth century and how labor movements contributed to improvements that people often take for granted today.

What I liked most about this project was seeing how different all of these changemakers were. Some were politicians, some were activists, some were scientists, and others were innovators. Yet they all shared one important characteristic: they saw a problem and decided to do something about it. They did not wait for someone else to create change. Instead, they became the people who made a difference.

The project also helped me reflect on my own goals. As someone studying Crime Scene Investigation, I often think about justice, responsibility, and helping others. Learning about Martin Luther King Jr. especially reminded me that creating positive change does not always require power or wealth. Sometimes it begins with strong values, persistence, and the willingness to stand up for what is right.

Beyond the historical content, I also enjoyed working with my group. Everyone contributed their own ideas and perspectives, and it was interesting to see how all of our individual sections came together into one presentation. Group projects can sometimes be stressful, but this experience showed me that when people communicate and support one another, the final result becomes much stronger.

Overall, this presentation taught me much more than historical facts and dates. It taught me about leadership, courage, perseverance, and the many different ways people can influence society. From Martin Luther King Jr.'s fight for equality to Marie Curie's scientific discoveries and Theodore Roosevelt's reforms, each changemaker left a lasting legacy that continues to impact our lives today. This project reminded me that history is not only about learning what happened in the past. It is also about understanding how individuals can inspire change and how their actions continue to shape the world we live in today.