Final Blog Post

Roberts Hall, HPU

This semester at High Point has been my first, and it has already been one of the most meaningful and engaging learning experiences I’ve had. From the very first day, it was clear that this class was about far more than memorizing dates or reciting facts, but about understanding the ideas, struggles, and stories that have shaped our country.

Dr. Smith has a way of bringing history to life. He challenges us to think critically, ask questions, and explore beyond the surface of events. His teaching encourages reflection and curiosity, and he consistently pushes us to consider not just what happened, but why it mattered and how it connects to both the founding of America and our present.

One of the most impactful aspects of the class has been learning about the Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights movement. Studying segregation, the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, and the ways laws and social customs enforced racial inequality helped me understand how deeply systemic racism shaped society. Learning about events like the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, the Freedom Rides, and the sit-ins (which I previously was unaware of) brought these struggles to life. These events made me realize the courage and determination required to fight injustice in the face of violence and oppression.

March on Washington

What I learned most vividly is how entrenched segregation and discrimination were, and how laws and customs worked together to maintain inequality. I was surprised by the scale of resistance to Civil Rights, even after legal protections were supposedly in place. I was shocked by the violence activists faced, from bombings to beatings, and the risks ordinary people took just to demand basic human rights. At the same time, I was inspired by the resilience of activists who used nonviolent protest, legal challenges, and community organization to push for change.

Participating in EOTOs was especially powerful. Teaching classmates about historical events forced me to process and explain the material deeply, and hearing others perspectives helped me see new angles I might have missed. The EOTOs highlighted how sharing knowledge strengthens understanding and reinforces the idea that learning is collaborative, not just individual.

Brown v. Board lawyers

Another experience that made the history feel real was observing mock trials, like for Brown
v. Board of Education. Seeing classmates go over arguments, evidence, and reasoning behind the Supreme Court case helped me understand the stakes and strategies involved in challenging segregation. It made the law tangible and showed how activism, legal reasoning, and public awareness work together to create change. Experiencing history in this interactive way made me realize how much effort and courage went into dismantling systemic inequality.

Beyond these specific experiences, this class helped me develop a deeper understanding of history as a lens to examine the present. I began to see patterns in how social change occurs, how laws interact with societal attitudes, and how ordinary individuals can influence history. Dr. Smith encouraged us to think critically about consequences and the importance of standing up for justice, even when it is dangerous or unpopular.

Overall, this first semester at High Point has taught me that history is more than memorization, but that it is a way to understand human struggle, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of justice. Learning about the Jim Crow era, Civil Rights activism, participating in EOTOs, and observing mock trials highlighted both the brutality of oppression and the power of collective action to overcome it. These lessons showed me that fighting for equality is difficult but essential, and that progress is fragile without active effort and vigilance.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn in this class and for Dr. Smith as a teacher. His guidance and passion made history feel real, relevant, and alive. The lessons I’ve gained about the struggles of the past and the importance of reflection, collaboration, and action will stay with me long after the end of the semester. They remind me that understanding our history is essential for shaping a better, more just future, and that progress, while often difficult and fragile, is always worth pursuing.