2022 LSU Gumbo - Book - Page 213
Sabra
“My grandma has influenced me the most in my life. I really respect how she
grew up through the most influential historical moments of the last century. She
was born in the thirties and went through the Great Depression. She talked about
how in some instances they were so poor that they ate dog food. All of the men
in her family were deployed in World War II. Her dad served in the Pacific, and
her uncle served on the beaches of Normandy. She also grew up when things
were segregated. She talked about seeing different restrooms and water fountains
and seeing the civil unrest of the ‘60s and the Kennedy assassination. She’s just
very fascinating to talk to. It makes me feel like I need to develop more grit. I feel
very blessed and privileged to be living in the times that we do. We don’t have to
be worried about being drafted for war. Certainly there are challenges like Covid
19, but I’ve never had to eat dog food or go through things like that. It’s made
me love history. I’ve been super interested in World War II history, United States
history, and European history. I love the Tudors. I think history is important to
know and understand so that we can learn from the mistakes of the past. It also
makes us appreciate the leaders, the times before us, and what’s led to where we
are today. People aren’t always completely present in the moment. I think to be
present in the moment you have to understand and appreciate how the past has
gotten us here. I think people can stay more engaged by putting their phones
down, looking around, smiling on campus, and saying hi to someone new. I like
to sit and read about history from time to time. I am a little bit of a nerd, but it is
surprising when people don’t know important people like Stalin and the horrific
things that happened or even understand some of the fundamental aspects that
make the American government unique.”
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