I HAD to study history at Hampton University (B.A) and U.S. History at Southern Methodist University (M.A. abt) because I found the complex topics and dynamic issues endlessly fascinating. My education allowed me to study questions of civics and government extensively, topics that should ALWAYS figure prominently when understanding The United States. Teaching high school and college history felt more like a prize than a job as I loved sharing our nation's struggles and stories with young learners and challenging them to think critically. I have decades of experience educating young people and adults issues surrounding civic engagement. While I am no longer in the classroom I still find opportunities to guide people through the topics and timelines of America from time to time, and this is one of those times. Teaching this topic to young people gives me hope and brings me so much happiness- our children are amazing!