Wiles

David Wiles Professor Feveryear HIST 1700 04/27/2014 EPortfolio Final Assignment What topic in your study of US history was most influential for you and why? I very much enjoyed studying about the civil rights movement among colored Americans. I had never learned about the sit-in approach that African Americans formed, and I very much enjoyed learning about the issue colored people experienced while riding busses. To be honest, I tried to put myself in the scene of watching a colored woman being asked to give up her seat to a white man. I couldnt imagine the anger that would have come over me if I were in that time. I liked that the text included information about the protesting for bus rights and that many of the transit services lost lots of money. I have also enjoyed learning about Martin Luther King and all that he has done for mankind. All of his teachings and intentions are truly inspirational to society even today. While reading about the march on Washington I felt a strong desire to look up images of that day. I have found that the images of that experience alone are inspiring enough to persuade someone to the cause. As a Christian man, I felt a strong influence in Martin Luther Kings words because his actions are the definition of a man who follows his faith. He always taught his followers to use words instead of fists, and helped all to feel equally part of this world, and in society. In all honesty, I still have trouble reading about what happened to him. I can only imagine what it would have been like to live in that time of American history. How will a better understanding of U.S history influence your future?

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Learning the history of my country has helped me to know what I am capable of. I enjoyed studying all of the success stories that people have experienced more than a hundred years before my time. The influence felt by these stories will help me to maintain motivation to continue with completing my education and finding my place in society. While reading about the economic changes throughout American history, it become apparent that it would be wise to start a more serious attempt at saving some of my earned income for the future even at my current age (23). In todays society we have retirement accounts known as IRAs, and 401ks. Stocks and bonds are strongly connected with these retirement accounts that people contribute to. They remind me of what happened in the great depression when all investments collapsed and people were left with nothing. I will be sure to have more than one idea with saving for retirement. In other words, I have learned through American history that it is important to prepare for anything, including the unthinkable.