Blog Post #2 - Kayla Lott

Throughout these presentations, I had different experiences with each group, but overall I enjoyed seeing the different changemakers everyone chose and learning about the impact they had on society. Each group had its own strengths, and I appreciated the effort everyone put into researching and presenting their topics.

Group 1 focused on the Constitution authors and the changemakers of the 1800s. One thing I did not enjoy about their presentation was that they had some trouble deciding who was going to share the screen at the beginning. It made the presentation feel a little disorganized at first and interrupted the flow of their introduction. However, once they got everything figured out, they did a great job presenting their information. They appeared prepared and knowledgeable about their topics, and I appreciated the effort they put into explaining the material.

I enjoyed learning more about several historical figures they discussed, including Thomas Jefferson, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr. While I had heard of many of these individuals before, the presentation helped me understand their contributions on a deeper level. Thomas Jefferson’s role in expanding the nation through the Louisiana Purchase and shaping American democracy reminded me of how influential early leaders were in building the country. Harriet Tubman’s bravery through the Underground Railroad and Frederick Douglass’s journey from slavery to becoming a prominent abolitionist demonstrated the importance of courage and perseverance in the fight for equality. Susan B. Anthony’s dedication to women’s suffrage also stood out to me because it highlighted the sacrifices people made to secure rights that many individuals benefit from today. Even learning more about Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr helped me see that historical figures are often more complex than what we initially learn in textbooks. Overall, Group 1’s presentation reminded me that many of the freedoms and opportunities people have today are the result of individuals who challenged injustice and worked toward positive change.

Group 2 covered the changemakers of the 1900s, and this presentation was especially meaningful to me because it was my own group. I thought my group did a great job preparing and presenting the information, but I was disappointed with how my own portion went. When it was my turn to speak, there was a lot of chaos happening in the background at my house, and it distracted me. As a result, I felt like I messed up my part of the presentation. I had prepared beforehand, so I was frustrated that the circumstances affected my performance. Even though I was hard on myself afterward, I reminded myself that unexpected situations happen and that presentations are opportunities to learn and improve. Despite my personal disappointment, I was proud of the work my group completed together.

Our group began by discussing important events from the twentieth century, including World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, the AIDS epidemic, and the end of the Cold War. Looking at these events collectively helped me realize how much change occurred during that time period. We also highlighted changemakers such as Theodore Roosevelt, Henry Ford, Mother Teresa, James Baldwin, Marie Curie, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Learning more about Theodore Roosevelt’s conservation efforts and leadership showed me how government policies can benefit future generations. Henry Ford’s innovations in manufacturing demonstrated how one person’s ideas can transform industries and everyday life. Mother Teresa’s compassion and dedication to helping those in need reminded me that kindness and service are powerful forms of leadership. James Baldwin used his writing to address issues of race and inequality, proving that words can inspire important conversations and social change. Marie Curie’s achievements in science were especially inspiring because she broke barriers for women while making groundbreaking contributions to medicine and research. Revisiting the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reinforced the importance of perseverance, equality, and peaceful activism. Through researching these individuals, I learned that changemakers can influence society through politics, science, activism, literature, and humanitarian work.

Group 3 was one of my favorite presentations because they were very organized and engaging from beginning to end. The presenters appeared confident, and their transitions between topics flowed smoothly. Their enthusiasm made it easier to stay interested in the information being presented, and I could tell that they had spent time preparing.

I appreciated that Group 3 focused on changemakers from the 2000s to the present because many of the topics felt more relevant to my generation. They discussed important historical events such as 9/11, the Iraq War, the rise of social media, the introduction of the first iPhone, the COVID-19 pandemic, and movements like Black Lives Matter and Me Too. These events demonstrated how quickly society can evolve and how modern changemakers continue to shape the world.

The presentation also introduced us to several influential individuals, including Barack Obama, Francis Collins, Nancy Pelosi, Elon Musk, Tom Szaky, and Anthony Fauci. Learning more about Barack Obama’s presidency and policies such as the Affordable Care Act helped me understand how leadership decisions can impact millions of people. Francis Collins’s contributions to the Human Genome Project fascinated me because they showed how scientific advancements can improve healthcare and disease prevention. Nancy Pelosi’s accomplishments as the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House highlighted the importance of representation and breaking barriers in leadership positions. I also enjoyed learning about Elon Musk’s work with Tesla and SpaceX, particularly how reusable rockets have changed the future of space exploration. One of the most surprising changemakers for me was Tom Szaky, the founder of TerraCycle. Before this presentation, I had never heard of him, but I found it inspiring that he started his company at such a young age and focused on solving environmental issues through innovative recycling programs. Finally, Anthony Fauci’s work in infectious disease research resonated with me because I am pursuing a career in healthcare. Learning about his efforts during the HIV/AIDS crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of science, communication, and public health in protecting communities.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed listening to all of the presentations. Although there were a few technical difficulties and personal challenges along the way, each group made a meaningful contribution to the class. These presentations taught me that changemakers are not limited to one profession or background. They can be presidents, scientists, activists, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, or ordinary individuals who are passionate about making a difference. Most importantly, this experience reminded me that positive change often begins with people who are willing to take action, overcome obstacles, and use their talents to improve the lives of others.