Introduction

Introduction

                The Facing History and Ourselves course is a very rare and unique opportunity. The Facing History and Ourselves course uses movies, documentaries, and group discussions to enable the student to gain access to Civic Agency: the ability to understand the time period being discussed. This Civic Agency allows the student to place themselves in the shoes of someone in the time period and areas discussed, and determine for themselves what they would do or how they would feel. For example, when our class discussed The Choice, we placed ourselves into the woman’s situation and had to determine for ourselves what we believe we would do in her situation. Facing History and Ourselves is a necessary class to take in order to fully understand past events and to make sure ones like The Holocaust don’t happen again.

               

              The reason why I chose to take Facing History and Ourselves is because of the person teaching it. This person is completely dedicated to teaching the class and making sure that the class understands its meaning. There are very few teachers now-a-days that will go to such an extent to make sure each and every student in his/her classroom is learning as much as they can. Also, since my sophomore year taking History with this teacher, I have had a deep respect for his dedication, principles, and his humor. It is because this teacher made such a major impact on me that I chose to take his Facing History and Ourselves class.                                  

I am currently a Westborough High School Senior taking Mr. Gallagher’s Facing History and Ourselves class. I have recently enlisted in the United States Army and will be shipping off to Basic Training in October. I have been trying to juggle school, my summer farm stand job, as well as a new girlfriend for a while, which resulted in my staying up until 2AM at least and going to school at 7AM the same day. Mr. Gallagher noticed this and brought to my attention the harm it had been afflicting to my body. I am currently balancing the three sources of stress a lot easier and became more awake and active in my classes. It is thanks to this amazing teacher that I was able to stop myself before any permanent damage could be done.