[Glorious Devoteeism]
I am sitting here, attempting to convince myself I am catching cold [or some other pesky bug that I need not house before tour] and just need to go to bed. But despite my physical tiredness, I am content. Listening to the glorious Lewis & Clark soundtrack [which no doubt shall become my inspiration come research paperizing], eating an entire bar of dark chocolate, and reading about the Dred Scott case and subsequent decision and it's impact on the coming Civil War, courtesy of the McPherson. Pride wells up in me. Hometown pride. Historical pride. Pride that as much as I hated living in St. Louis for the first 17 years of my life or so, I am from a city so rich in history, both local and national, that I can't help but be proud. I have come to a conclusion.
I am in love with local history. St. Louis history, especially. I wish I had more time to delve deeper into this topic at present, but alas, it must wait until summer. Or next year. And this also gives me an idea for my senior honors project for next year. Do something with local history! Maybe not Chicago, but the Oak Park River Forest area? I'm sure there's much to discover. I did, after all, come upon the location of the first house/inn in OP one delightful fall afternoon earlier this year. And freshman year I purchased that $5 "A History of River Forest." That could be a starting point. There are so many options and opportunities opening to me here. I am in love with this local history idea; I am in love with these possibilities.
This also brings back those feelings of a profession in education. I would love to write a unit on local history and teach it to high schoolers. Attempt to instill through my enthusiasm in them some new thoughts, ideas, and pride of their city and all the wonderful historical benefits it has to offer. Of course, this dream of mine is based mainly (and only) in St. Louis. For truth is, I really love St. Louis and all its history the most. Yet I know that even if I did pursue this dream, it would not be the only thing I would have to teach. I would have to focus on other things, and I wouldn't get to do this dream unit until I had established myself and gained some respect and support from my colleagues. But this devotee can dream!
I feel as though in honor of these newly rediscovered [and in some cases discovered] devoteeisms, I shall honor my devotee roots tomorrow by the festive wearing of the green and grey. At least, some rendition thereof.
I am in love with local history. St. Louis history, especially. I wish I had more time to delve deeper into this topic at present, but alas, it must wait until summer. Or next year. And this also gives me an idea for my senior honors project for next year. Do something with local history! Maybe not Chicago, but the Oak Park River Forest area? I'm sure there's much to discover. I did, after all, come upon the location of the first house/inn in OP one delightful fall afternoon earlier this year. And freshman year I purchased that $5 "A History of River Forest." That could be a starting point. There are so many options and opportunities opening to me here. I am in love with this local history idea; I am in love with these possibilities.
This also brings back those feelings of a profession in education. I would love to write a unit on local history and teach it to high schoolers. Attempt to instill through my enthusiasm in them some new thoughts, ideas, and pride of their city and all the wonderful historical benefits it has to offer. Of course, this dream of mine is based mainly (and only) in St. Louis. For truth is, I really love St. Louis and all its history the most. Yet I know that even if I did pursue this dream, it would not be the only thing I would have to teach. I would have to focus on other things, and I wouldn't get to do this dream unit until I had established myself and gained some respect and support from my colleagues. But this devotee can dream!
I feel as though in honor of these newly rediscovered [and in some cases discovered] devoteeisms, I shall honor my devotee roots tomorrow by the festive wearing of the green and grey. At least, some rendition thereof.