Change Maker Reflection- Fransheska Milioto

    Learning about change makers throughout the century really made me think about how impact one person can have on the world. The individuals in the presentations of each group showed that change does not always come easily and many of them had to face challenges, criticism or even danger to stand up for what they believed in. This made me realize that being a change maker requires courage, determination and a strong sense of purpose. Learning about the change makers from group 1 like Alexander Hamilton, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and George Washington helped me better understand how the United States was built and why the Constitution is so important today. Before this presentation I knew some of their names but I didn't  not fully realize how much effort, debate and compromise went into creating a government that would last for generations. I enjoyed the facts that group one shared about their change makers but what really stood out to me was how the Constitution starts with "We The People " which shows that power comes from the citizens. This connects directly to the work of these change makers because they were trying to move from a system where a king had all the power. Instead they created a system that protects the peoples rights and prevents a person or branch from becoming too powerful. I also found it interesting and admirable that the Constitution is still relevant today even though it was written long ago. The fact that it can be amended shows that these leaders understood that society would change over time. Overall this group made me realize that being a change maker is not about making quick changes but rather creating something meaningful and long-lasting that continues to impact people in the future.

     Secondly in group 3 I learned about modern change makers like Mother Teresa, Martin Luther King Jr., Bob Dylan, Dolores Huerta and Nelson Mandela. They helped me see how change continues to evolve over time and take forms. Each of these individuals made an impact on society whether through activism, music, leadership or humanitarian work. They all stood up for what they believed in even when it was difficult. What stood out to me was how Martin Luther King Jr. Used protest to fight for equality and justice showing that change does not always have to come from violence. Similarly Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid. Helped bring unity to his country even after facing years of imprisonment. Dolores Huerta also made a difference by advocating for workers rights while Mother Teresa dedicated her life to helping those in need. Even Bob Dylan used music as a way to spread messages about issues proving that change can happen through creativity as well. All of these figures inspired me because they showed that making a difference does not require one path. Their actions motivate me to continue their legacy by speaking up helping others and standing up for what's right in my own life. This idea connects directly to the group, especially Malala Yousafzai, who represents how even young people today can create powerful change and continue shaping the future. In the presentation that group 3 did, I found myself being deeply inspired by Malala Yousafzi. They went over her story and how powerful her impact was not only for her country but for all women around the world.  She stood up for girls education, even when it put her life in danger, which showed a level of courage and determination that is truly inspiring. Unlike the other change makers we learned about, Malala is a new generation changemkaer which is truly inspiring and admirable. Learning about Malala Yousafzai taught me to never let anyone silence my voice or divine me for my passion. Seeing her impact truly inspired me as I want to be a doctor to never stop believing in myself not matter what the challenges I face may be and to always keep pushing foward.

    Lastly being part of the group that presented on 1800s change makers made the experience more meaningful for me because I was able to focus on the impact of these individuals especially Mary Edwards Walker, who I researched. While learning about figures like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Carnegie and Nikola Tesla showed me types of leadership and innovation what stood out the most was how Mary Edwards Walker broke barriers as a woman in the medical field during a time when women were not taken seriously in that profession. She not worked as a doctor during the Civil War but she also fought for womens rights and challenged traditional expectations even in something as simple as what she wore. As a woman who's interested in the medical field her story really inspired me because it showed that even when society tries to limit you it is still possible to succeed and make a difference. Being part of this group also helped me see how change can happen in forms. While some individuals led through politics or business others, like Walker, created change by standing up for equality and pushing boundaries. Overall this experience made me feel more connected to the topic. Reminded me that change makers can come from anywhere and that people like me can also make an impact, in the future. From the founding fathers creating the structure of government, to the 1800s leaders breaking barriers, to modern activist fighting for equality, each group plays a role in shaping the future. I really enjoyed this project as ive never really done research in change makers before and got to do this group project that not only made me do research on these admirable individuals but also take in their story and see the challenges, tribulations, and  criticisms that they faced. That really opened my eyes to the world ahead of each of us and how  we ARE the future and if we want to make a change we must speak out  no matter how many challenges we may face.