Post #-2. Yubisleidy Cordova

 My Experience Learning About Changemakers in Our Class Presentations

 By Yubisleidy Cordova

During this project, our class had the opportunity to learn about important changemakers who helped shape American democracy. Each group focused on a different time, beginning with the authors of the Constitution in the 1700s and continuing through the 1800s, 1900s, and modern times. Listening to my classmates’ presentations helped me understand how many different people have contributed to improving our country and its democratic system. Instead of only reading about these figures in a textbook, hearing my classmates explain their research made the information feel more real and meaningful. This experience helped me see how democracy has developed over time and how many people have worked to create change.

One of the most interesting parts of this project was listening to the presentations from the other groups. Each group focused on a different period of history and different changemakers who made an impact on democracy. Some groups talked about important leaders from the 1800s, others discussed figures from the 1900s, and another group focused on more recent changemakers from the 2000s to the present. Listening to these presentations helped me understand that democracy did not develop all at once. Instead, it has been shaped over many years by people who believed in justice, equality, and progress.

While listening to my classmates, I noticed how each group had a different perspective on the idea of changemakers. Some focused on political leaders, while others talked about activists, reformers, or individuals who helped improve civil rights and social justice. This helped me realize that changemakers can come from many different backgrounds and professions. They may be leaders, educators, activists, or ordinary people who take action to improve society. Hearing these different perspectives helped me better understand how democracy grows and improves through the actions of many individuals over time.

For my group’s presentation, we focused on the authors of the United States Constitution. My classmate and I worked specifically on George Washington, while the other members of our group discussed other important figures who contributed to the creation of the Constitution. Preparing this presentation helped me understand how important the Constitution was in establishing the foundation of American democracy. The leaders who created this document worked together to design a system of government that balanced power and protected the rights of citizens. While working on my part of the presentation, I learned more about George Washington’s role in shaping the early government of the United States. Washington was chosen to lead the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which shows how much trust the other leaders had in him. Later, he became the first president of the United States and helped establish many traditions that presidents still follow today. One of the most important examples of his leadership was when he decided to step down after two terms as president. This decision showed that leadership in a democracy should not become permanent and that power should be limited.

Listening to all the presentations helped me understand the long-term impact these changemakers had on the United States. The Constitution created a system of government that protects freedom and allows citizens to participate in the democratic process. Over time, other changemakers helped expand these rights and improve the system. Some worked to expand voting rights, others fought for civil rights, and many worked to improve laws and policies that affect everyday life. Together, these individuals helped shape the democratic system that exists in the United States today.

 Another important idea I learned from the presentations is that the principles of democracy in the United States have influenced many other countries around the world. The ideas of representation, separation of powers, and individual rights have inspired democratic governments in different parts of the world. Hearing about these global connections helped me realize that the actions of changemakers in one country can influence political systems and ideas internationally. At Miami Dade College, students are encouraged to learn about changemaking and civic responsibility. Courses and discussions about history, government, and social issues help students understand how they can contribute to their communities. Programs such as those promoted by the iCED department encourage students to think critically about leadership and social change. By learning about important changemakers in history, students can better understand how individuals can influence society and create positive changes.

Attending and listening to these presentations was an important experience for me. It helped me see how historical events and leaders are connected to the society we live in today. Hearing different groups explain their research made the project more interesting and helped me learn more about the topic. It also reminded me that every generation can become changemakers and contribute to improving society. Another important thing I learned from this experience was how valuable collaboration can be in a classroom environment. When students work together and share their research, everyone benefits from different perspectives and ideas. Listening to my classmates helped me understand that history is not just about memorizing facts, but about understanding the impact that people and events have had on society. It also reminded me that education plays an important role in preparing students to become responsible citizens who can contribute to democracy and positive change in the future.

Overall, this project helped me better understand the importance of changemakers in American history and democracy. Listening to my classmates’ presentations showed me how many different people have contributed to improving the country over time. Working on the section about George Washington also helped me appreciate the role that early leaders played in establishing the foundations of the government. This experience reminded me that democracy continues to grow and improve because of the efforts of people who believe in justice, equality, and civic responsibility. Learning about historical leaders like George Washington also reminds us that democracy is something that must be protected by every generation. Citizens, students, and leaders all share the responsibility of maintaining fairness, participation, and respect for the Constitution so that democratic values continue to guide the future of the country. This experience also inspired me to continue learning about leaders and changemakers who have worked to improve democracy, and it reminded me that students today can also play a role in creating positive change in the future. This project helped me see that learning about history can inspire us to improve the future.