Social studies: the timeless subject; open your mind to the past, and you'll be opening your eyes to the present and future - What Do I Do With…?

Career World, Oct, 2002 by Melissa M. Ezarik

"Once upon a time...." Where do those words take you? In bed, snuggled under a blanket, as you listen to a bedtime story? Into the pages of your favorite childhood adventure storybook?

Look up the word "history" in a dictionary. It's no surprise that one of its meanings is "story." Stories of people, places, and events make social studies come to life. Rachel Hoerman, a junior at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, plans to earn at least a master's degree in history. "History, to me, [always] seemed like a never-ending story," she says.

Whether it's U.S. or world history, geography, civics, or another related area, social studies can help you understand yourself and others. And if you broaden your experiences in social studies now, you may find yourself in an exciting related career someday.

The Whys of Social Studies

If social studies has always seemed like a jumble of names and dates to you, you may wonder where the connections are to real life. Next time you're reading a chapter for homework or writing a report, remember the "whys" of social studies:

To understand yourself and your place in the world. Social studies "gives you a wide picture of not just where you are now, but how you got to where you are," says Jim McKeever, a counselor at Antigo (Wisconsin) High School. What did your ancestors experience? One history teacher explains that her early ancestors lived under William the Conqueror in England, and another fought in the American Revolution. Find out about your family's past, and you'll discover your legacy.

To understand others so you can get along in the world. Our country is a melting pot or salad bowl, with immigrants and their descendants of all races and backgrounds. In everyday life, it helps if we all understand, tolerate, and appreciate our differences, says Pamela Gardner, K-12 social studies supervisor for Stratford (Connecticut) Public Schools.

"With the rapid and widespread use of technology, we can no longer afford to be isolationist," she says. We have to be able to communicate not only with the family next door, but also with people across the world.

To ensure that we don't repeat history. The often-quoted philosopher George Santayana said, "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it."

History "allows us to contrast what we are experiencing with what others have experienced elsewhere in the past," says Ted Kilsdonk, a graduate student at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Pamela Pavek, a University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point senior, adds that social studies teaches you "how people dealt with certain issues and how past issues affect the world today."

To become a good citizen. In the past year, Americans have been reminded more than ever of the freedoms that go along with living in a democracy. According to the American Historical Association, participating in history class helps us define our roles as citizens in our communities, our states, and our country.

To save the world! Social studies can be the foundation for a variety of pursuits that have an impact on the world. Pavek, for example, hopes to help others as a forensic psychologist someday. "If I can make a difference in a couple of individuals' lives, that will make me very happy," she says. "The world needs more caring, compassionate people to help others."

Hoerman agrees. After graduation, she plans to join the Peace Corps or teach English in a foreign country, and then do research and field studies to help improve the lives of people in poor areas through education.

Digging Deeper into the Past

If you already enjoy social studies or think it's time to give it another chance, here are some ways to broaden your knowledge and spark your interest:

* Take social studies electives. Antigo's 20th Century History! Literature course--which explores themes such as economic depression, war, and human rights through literature, film, art, and music--is very popular, says McKeever.

* Explore your neighborhood. Check out art museums and historic homes, or simply look around town for historical markers. Take a virtual tour of the world's historic places on-line.

* Request course catalogs from colleges or technical schools you may want to attend. Then find out what social studies courses go along with the field you're considering. For example, McKeever points out that the local technical college requires social studies courses for its police science program.

* Find your roots. Uncover family history by interviewing relatives and searching for information on your family name on-line. To start, visit www.usgenweb.org, www.myhistory.org/guidebook, or www.genhomepage.com. Then, when you learn about the Pilgrims, the Louisiana Purchase, or World War I, you can picture your own ancestors living at that time.

For More Information

American Historical Association

www.theaha.org/pubs/careers

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