Dylan Zhang

Our knowledge of the past impacts us on a profound level, shaping our identities, guiding our decisions, and providing us with valuable lessons for the future.

When we encounter the past, whether on a plaque in front of a statue or in a textbook, we aren’t just reading some words, we are gleaning knowledge from our forefathers, like carrying on a torch handed to us by our ancestors. 

In doing so, we realize the need to comb through the past, and see how history holds immense importance in our lives, extending far beyond just another school subject. Our knowledge of the past impacts us on a profound level, shaping our identities, guiding our decisions, and providing us with valuable lessons for the future.

History offers us a profound understanding of how societies have evolved over time. By studying historical events, social movements, and cultural shifts, we gain insight into the factors that have shaped present-day society. For example, we can look throughout history to see how forms of government have changed and influenced the societies of today. Whether by studying monarchies of old or more recent fledgling democracies, we can recognize the roots of societal changes, appreciate the progress that we have made, and identify areas where further growth is needed. In addition, we can see how certain groups of societies have persevered while some have emerged and then faded. For example, we can learn how the ancient democracy of the Greek city-state Athens fell, and identify the problems with that early form of government. The study of history enables us to navigate contemporary issues with a deeper understanding of their historical context, allowing for more informed discussions and meaningful progress. Just as we see the evolution of societies, we can look into the experiences of people that make up those societies.						

History serves as a gateway to the diverse range of human experiences throughout time. By delving into the past, we gain invaluable insights into the triumphs, struggles, and challenges faced by different societies, cultures, and individuals. In doing so, we become witnesses to the tapestry of human existence, fostering empathy and expanding our perspectives. For instance, take something like the Holocaust. By studying and reading about this event in history books or memoirs like Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl, we gain insight into the suffering and difficulties faced by individuals of that time. While doing so, we glean the dark side of humanity, which serves as a warning to future generations about the limitless boundaries of human nature, for better or worse. Through the study of history, we develop a deep appreciation for the complexities of the human condition and enhance our ability to relate to people from different backgrounds. However, not only do we expand our worldview, we learn valuable knowledge to prevent repeating the same disastrous mistakes all over again.						

By meticulously examining the causes and consequences of historical events, we can identify patterns, understand the factors that led to successes or failures, and make more informed decisions in the present. For instance, moments in the Cold War, like the Cuban Missile Crisis, can lead us to rethink how to be flexible and open to communication, and moments in war where atrocities are committed can cause us to identify new humanitarian ideals. In addition, we can see how different governmental policies had different effects, or how certain methods of approaching economic or healthcare problems led to different outcomes. For example, we can see how and why policies succeeding the American Civil War caused a huge racial divide with lasting consequences in the United States, or how economic policies during and after World War I led to the start of the Great Depression. History offers us a wealth of knowledge, enabling us to navigate the complexities of contemporary challenges with wisdom and foresight. Not only does it serve as a guidebook for shaping our future by providing valuable lessons and cautionary tales, it also shapes and preserves our very identities and cultures.	

Our understanding of history plays a pivotal role in shaping individual and collective identities. It connects us to our cultural heritage and provides us with a sense of belonging. I for one, by understanding the Chinese culture of my parents and their forebears, have come to adopt many traditions and habits, from small things like using chopsticks to larger events like celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival. In doing so, I came to piece together my sense of self. Whether it is about unique festivals or cultural behaviors, through the study of history, we gain a deep appreciation for our shared traditions, values, and narratives. We come to understand the struggles and achievements of our ancestors, recognizing the legacies they have left behind. By embracing our historical roots, we develop a stronger sense of identity and cultural pride, fostering a more cohesive and inclusive society. In addition, studying history ensures the preservation of collective memory. It safeguards the significant events, achievements, and contributions of individuals and societies from fading into oblivion. By preserving the past, we honor the legacies of those who came before us, acknowledge their contributions, and gain a deeper appreciation for our shared human heritage. History provides a connection to our roots and reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices that have shaped the world we inhabit today.

History cultivates critical thinking and analytical skills that are indispensable in navigating the complexities of the modern world. The study of primary and secondary sources, evaluation of evidence, and the development of reasoned arguments all contribute to our intellectual growth. Examining historical events requires us to analyze multiple perspectives, challenge our assumptions, and uncover biases. These skills are not confined to the realm of history alone, but extend to various fields, such as research, law, and journalism. Studying history equips us with the ability to assess information critically, think independently, and make informed judgments. These skills are especially important when students grow up and enter society.

The study of the past transcends the status of merely another school subject. Our knowledge of history impacts us on a profound level, enriching our lives and changing our future. Through the study of history, we gain a deeper understanding of human experiences, learn from past mistakes, shape our identity, hone necessary skills, and preserve our legacy. 

In a KidSpirit Feature article, teen writer Dylan Zhang explores how our knowledge of history impacts our personal and collective lives. 

Light from the Past

Lily Wang

Everything has its time: a time to grow, a time to flourish, a time to cease. 

It was morning and raining in this corner of the world. Beneath the ashen sky, the little shop stood between two streets. 

It was easily dismissed by the cars racing past or the early risers hurrying, umbrellas in hand, to some important place. Inside, I turned on the radio so that Billy Joel's “Uptown Girl” resounded around the cluttered shelves. I tidied the bric-a-brac to the music, the soft pattering of rain, and the heater's whirl. It was only when I flipped the sign from “closed” to “welcome” that I noticed her waiting outside.

A few customers always arrive early, eager to thrift the unexpected treasures of the op shop. But between eagerness and lousy weather, the latter mostly prevails. Besides, she was not one of them. She was someone new. I bid her good morning, and she smiled like someone familiar. Rather than browsing the shop, she rummaged through her pockets and retrieved a small velvet box. Inside was a ring.

“I'd like to donate this. We were cleaning out my mother's place and found her wedding ring. She stopped wearing it toward the end. She feared losing it.”

The blue stone gazed up. I caught a glimpse of my reflection in its eye and wondered if the deep hues still held the forms of its owner.

“She loved shopping here; maybe you know her.”

Maybe. The daughter scrolled through her phone to a picture of her mother.

Yes. She was an eager customer, an early awaiter. Our exchanges held few words. She would meet my “good morning” with an angelic smile. Her purchases, like all customers’, varied from thimbles to cookbooks. But she had her idiosyncrasies. She never bought anything above two dollars and always paid with a gold coin. Every week, she would place the coin in my palm and wave away my change, prompting me to drop it in the donation box.

In that instant, I felt the impermanence of life. A few weeks ago, she was here as I turned the sign from “closed” to “welcome.” Next week and beyond, the sign would be turned without her. No more gold coins. In her absence, I realized that we live our lives bound by the passage of time. Everything has its time: a time to grow, a time to flourish, a time to cease. Each laugh, each tear, each triumph and defeat hangs for a single moment before dissipating into space, forever gone.

But it can't be. From this ring, I somehow sensed the memories of its late owner. The delicate stones held her soft reflection. In the gold band was the shape of her ring finger. It bore the love, the heartache, the joy of a lifetime. To a passer-by, it was just gold and stone, just jewelry, but to those who shared the memory, it was moments in time. It was four words met with a single affirmation. It was a wedding day and all the days to come.

Fleeting moments can be preserved in tangible things. Tied to the constants. As I looked around the shop, I saw the vibrant objects that anchored the wild, trivial, cherished memories of people. I imagined the stories they held. Over there, the chipped teapot captured the clumsiness of two children playing tag in the house. That One Direction poster revealed the story of a teen in their phase of daydreaming out of classroom windows. This crime novel, frayed on the edges, was held in one hand during a late-night read under duvets, a flashlight firmly grasped in the other.

Every day, customers part with their magical objects through the donation system. It is a practice of beauty and humanity. They walk in, each hand carrying bags of books, toys, ceramics, clothes. As each object crosses some invisible line from possession to donation, the donor is transported, in a second, to that moment the object captured long ago. I would see them smile, unknowingly, at that distant memory. “Oh, how the time passes.” “How young she was when she used this.” “I remember it so vividly.” I would listen, wide-eyed, to their incredible stories. In an existence that changes every season, every day, and every second, the donation of tangible things helps us remember who we once were. Customers do not abandon their past through their contributions. Instead, they embrace the impermanence of life by waking dormant memories. They can hold on to these constants, but they consciously choose to let go to grow into someone present.

The objects are soon priced and placed on shelves, hangers, and cabinets. They are not new. They still bear the signs of their previous owners. The sapphire ring will forever reflect a sparkle of an angelic smile. Its band will forever fit a hand more perfectly than others. Yet they are ready to hold another moment, another memory. That is the beauty of the op shop. Every object has a history and a potentiality. The shop's existence is a clash of impermanence and constancy. It is a celebration of life.

A week later, I turned the sign from “closed” to ”welcome” and saw a man waiting on the front steps. His eyes were hopeful as he held the ring up to the light. I was later told he visited the shop repeatedly throughout the week for this exact object. I wondered if he saw the same incongruous past and future in the precious stones. If he felt, perhaps, how ephemeral, how everlasting it was. Upon purchase, he was so nervous he fumbled and dropped his card. I asked if the ring was for someone special, and his “yes” was charged with a force unknown to everyone except that someone. And there, that ring will soon hold another moment, and another. It will capture a thousand memories of love, all different, all temporary, all beautiful. In all this discourse, all this impermanence, the man took the velvet box. He held on to his constant.

In a KidSpirit Big Question article, teen writer Lily Wang ponders the meaning of time at her job in a thrift shop.

Are There Any Constants in Life, or Is Everything Impermanent?

Muhammad Shaheryar Khan

Primary schools are buildings that house within their confined walls tools of enlightenment, as well as memories of those who once studied and played on the premises. They serve not only as reminders of our past goals and dreams in life but also as mirrors of our past selves.

It was on a fateful day late in the month of June that I decided to visit my primary school after exactly 10 years. The excruciating heat, unbearable to say the least, was visible to all as waves of swirling warmth, perhaps the rage of the gods themselves, spiraled in the clear and azure sky. As I made my way to the school, I could not help but feel a hint of nostalgia as I reminisced and sifted through happy memories of the long-gone past.     

The journey via cab took me about two hours, but the sight of the primary school, Head Start Academy, made the hair on my hands and the nape of my neck stand up with unease. The school looked as if it had been abandoned for centuries. Moss and algae covered the exterior as rats ran down the cobblestone path. The grimy windows reflected a lack of care, as if the creator himself felt disdainful toward the academy. The unkempt grass and rust on all the swings and slides in the play area hurt me to my very core, because this place that had previously acted as a refuge for me, a place of joy and hope, was now encircled by bleak colors, devoid of all love and care.

As I entered through the school door, disembodied voices of those who once walked these very halls seemed to rise through the cracks in the porous path. Classrooms had been abandoned, with desks and chalk lying all over the floor. This scene of disarray pained me immensely, as what I remembered of this beautiful place resurfaced to the front of my memories. The dank and grim atmosphere felt as if it tried to bury the spirit of goodness that had once filled this school with light. The whole school felt as if it was shrouded in darkness, with rays of sunlight not even trying to encroach on the territory that hopelessness had staked a claim to.

However, even after all this, the lovely memories of the past made me view Head Start Academy with a certain care and affection that you would lend to your beloved. Seeing the desk cluttered with filth and trash did open a chasm of sadness within me, but it was not enough to make me forget the guidance that I received while learning at this prestigious academy. People turn old just as leaves may wither, but the memories one has stored will never go stale. These memories, like old, shriveled hands, grasp painstakingly onto important events in our lives; events that fill our very core with fleeting happiness or solemn serenity. It is these memories and these moments that we try to cling to for the rest of our lives. 

Thus, as I bade one final goodbye to this past chapter of my life, I revisited a prominent quote by Rose Kennedy which had stuck with me since childhood: “Life isn’t a matter of milestones but of moments.” It was with a heavy heart that I left the academy, but with renewed and revitalized memories of my friends as I saw the desks at which they sat, the park at which we played hide and seek, and the cafeteria where everyone talked about their harsh experiences wading through the obstacles of life.

All in all, the visit to my primary school was not a lost cause, since it taught me a valuable lesson regarding life: it is not the materialistic gains that give us joy but the heartening and exciting experiences that live in our memories forever. Life is but a mountainous landscape one must traverse to reach the pinnacle of comfort and satisfaction. Thus we must learn to cherish life, our family, and our loved ones, before time wrenches them away from our tight grasp.

In a KidSpirit Awesome Moments article, teen writer Muhammad Shaheryar Khan visits his former primary school.

A Mirror into the Past

Madison Thermidor

Have you ever stopped to think about the history behind the books we read and the movies we watch? I have, and I dug deep into one of my favorite books to figure out how this book relates to the past and present. 

Murder on the Orient Express, by Agatha Christie, is about a train called the Orient Express that gets stuck in a snowdrift. While the train is stuck, Samuel Edward Ratchett is killed in his compartment. Knowing that someone on the train is responsible for his murder, detective Hercule Poirot must find out who the killer is before they strike again. 

Christie is known as the world’s best-selling novelist, and her books have sold over a billion copies in English and even more in other languages.  She is the most widely published author of all time and is only outsold by the Bible and Shakespeare. The reason she is so popular is because her mysteries were some of the first ever written and they had compelling detectives and interesting suspects, and they created the real rules of murder mystery. 

Murder on the Orient Express is well-written and makes it hard for the reader to guess who the murderer is. The author does this by not revealing too much information at the beginning but instead divulging it slowly as the book goes on. This also creates a suspenseful mood for the reader. Additionally, at the end of the book, Hercule Poirot presents two different solutions to figure out who the murderer is. This helps the reader narrow down their suspects. 

The dialogue in the book also makes the book more entertaining to read by showing each character's personality based on how they talk. For example, “The Colonel replied dryly: ‘I stopped for one night to see Ur of the Chaldees and for three days in Baghdad with the A.O.C., who happens to be an old friend of mine.’” This shows the reader how uninterested the colonel is in this interrogation, therefore showing that he is a care-free person.

Murder on the Orient Express follows the steps that detectives have to take to solve a murder. These steps are often still taken today to find murderers all around the globe, and can include examining the body, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and finding evidence to support your reason to find someone guilty. This book also demonstrates that Christie's work is still cherished today because it shows pictures from the movie remake of the book. People still enjoy this book today even though it was written in the 1930s. This suggests that Christie was well-known and the book was very popular. She was popular because she was a great writer who included creative plot structures and psychology in her books. Most of all, her characters had lots of personality. This is most likely how Murder on the Orient Express got the attention of film director Kenneth Branagh.  

I think that this book is good because it is written well and the characters' emotions are shown clearly. Christie shows this when new evidence is being presented by witnesses, and each character tells their side of the story. Then Hercule Poirot asks questions based on what they said. As the characters answer questions, they each show their personality by the way they speak.

I enjoyed that Christie makes it hard for the reader to guess who the murderer is. Hercule Poirot asks everyone on the train what they know about the murder, but he can’t get enough information to form a conclusion. He seems to be stuck at a dead end, which makes the reader very doubtful that this case will be solved. This turns the plot sideways, making an effect on the reader. Many of Christie’s stories have sudden mood changes; if the book starts off more calm, then all of a sudden it becomes a lot more violent. One example is the murder that is committed in each book. After each murder, Christie makes the mystery a lot more suspenseful by introducing false leads, having a variety of suspects in each story, and escalating the mystery's tension with each chapter. This happens by making the reader feel like there is no hope of finding the murderer.

Murder on the Orient Express deserves a 5 out of 5-star rating because it is overall a very entertaining book, and it is fun to look at the pictures from the movie remake. The book is good because you can tell what each character is like, and the author’s writing technique makes the book fun to read by adding plot twists and unique ways of finding new evidence. I would definitely recommend reading this book because it is a great novel and is written by one of the best authors in the world.

In a KidSpirit Media review, teen writer Madison Thermidor reviews Agatha Christie's classic mystery novel Murder on the Orient Express.

One of Hercule Poirot’s Many Adventures

Vincent Chang and Amy Bai

The smell of the sandalwood was overbearing. 

In front of and behind me, all dressed in deep blue cassocks and snowy surpluses, the train of choristers ambled down the long aisle. I tried to keep my pace steady and held my gaze high. Soft coils of smoky incense rolled away from a censer in the reverend’s hands, swaying back and forth in a constant motion. As I finally got to the choir stands, there was a thunderous rumble as everyone stood — and the Eucharist began.

This was my first Choral Eucharist as part of my school’s Chapel Choir. When I first walked into the audition room, I had no prior religious training, no knowledge of ecclesiastic songs of praise, and no spirituality. But I did know how to sing, and I jumped at the opportunity of choir from days sitting in the nave and listening to all the beautiful festival hymns. Sometimes, alone, I would sit in the school chapel and marvel at the stained-glass windows at sunrise, the light filtering through the faces of saints and seraphim. I knew that the school had a long Anglican tradition, and found a passionate desire to learn more.

One of the first songs I was introduced to was the Kyrie eléison (“Lord, have mercy”) as part of the Missa Simplex — a liturgical hymn in Ancient Greek, bound in a scorebook with a Latin title. And as I quickly found, Ancient Greek and Latin worship songs were no small part of our repertoire, comprising almost half the songs we were taught. Historically, Ecclesiastical Latin was a staple language for hymns, and its inclusion did not surprise me. But it was the humanity that such an archaic language could convey that sent shivers down my spine whenever we performed for service. There is a strange unity with the past when tradition is enlivened by personal experience. I could plainly see how, by singing the words of scholars and choirboys long since passed, I could find my own place in this long history of tradition. I became more aware that history is not something disconnected from the present (as it can oftentimes feel when one is reading a textbook or watching a documentary), but is found in the lives of countless individuals interwoven in monuments, on paper, and in places of spiritual worship.

Indeed, telling stories of individual experience is a keystone of dynamic tradition. The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one such example, recollected in the gospel to illustrate the universal virtue of compassion. The story revolves around a man who had been beaten, robbed, and left waiting for death on the side of the road. Although considered holy men, neither the priest nor the Levite offered to help the dilapidated man. Yet a Samaritan did: he not only stopped to patiently help the poor man, but also generously paid for his care, ensuring that the man could re-enter society again without being shunned. The Samaritan, often portrayed as an enemy of society in the Bible, holds the capstone virtue within this story. He demonstrates how, regardless of one’s identity, social status, or religion, one should treat one’s neighbor with kindness and compassion and establish a healthy relationship with others whenever possible. With this belief in mind, we are taught to always be ready to help and sympathize with others, or as Jesus claims, “to love one’s neighbor as oneself.”

The choir performed Eucharists every Friday, and after frequently attending, I gradually found spirituality in my life where there previously was none. The reverend, both a theologian and a teacher of philosophy, stood at the altar countless times to offer the homily after gospel reading. In his sermons I found another part of tradition exemplified — that history is very much a flexible thing, and that stories of the past can guide us toward better relationships in the future. Look above, he once told the congregation, and see the crossbeams of the arched ceiling — that is the nave, the Latin word for a ship and its hull. He went on to explain that although sometimes we might feel lost without community, we are all passengers in the same “ship.” The ship of the church which had carried the first congregation since its founding was the same space we were sitting in now. I then imagined those schoolboys sitting underneath this very nave before voyaging across the seas to fight in the World Wars decades ago. I asked myself if the very stones I leaned against still contained fragments of the school’s past, sermons and hymns that once reverberated through these halls. I turned to my friend beside me and took his hand, and in that brief moment I realized how reflecting upon the past gave me the courage to embrace my present relationships: my friendships, my family, and my school.

The stories in the Bible were written thousands of years ago, yet their messages and doctrines are still highly relevant and valuable for people today. This is amply demonstrated through the Ancient Greek and Latin liturgical hymns that help individuals to feel a sense of connection to the long tradition of spiritual worship, encouraging us to face the present with optimism and determination. From the Parable of the Good Samaritan to the Kyrie, I could plainly see the transformative nature of spiritual tradition. And in careful reflection on these ancient traditions, I am encouraged to grapple with that set of fundamental virtues so integral to the human experience.

In a KidSpirit Interfaith Connections article, teen writers Vincent Chang and Amy Bai reflect on Christian teachings and their time in the Chapel Choir to explore the continuity of ancient traditions.

In Both Past and Present

Elliot Marie

I prepared to enter their world, the world of my ancestors, to turn theirs wrongs to right.

A glinting light entered the room as gears began to twist and turn, the power of the sun’s beams causing the rusted iron machine to move and function. 

The bronze pieces screeched, clearly not having been used for the past decades. What was I doing here? Dressed like covidians before me, who had existed in the 21st century through periods of great war and disease. Theirs had been an era of confusion that had caused the world to be the way it was today. The world was now full of slums, with old clothes and electronics littered all over; of craters from nuclear explosions or bombs and far, far worse; of the crookedness of humans who could barely be called Homo sapiens anymore. It comforted me as I twirled a strand of my dark hazel hair and tightened the peculiar jacket I wore as I prepared to enter their world, the world of my ancestors, to turn theirs wrongs to right.

A portal opened, one I had been waiting so long for. My mission was simple. To go back a couple of hundred years and stop the mistakes the covidians had made. It sounded almost crazy, thinking it over. Go back a couple of centuries and just stroll in and divert the mistakes made. Was I going insane? I had always wished to see the world as it was before, but now that I was a few seconds away from my lifelong dream, I was doubting myself and thinking of turning back. My sapphire eyes took in all that was inside the temporal whirlpool before me, the dazzling green trees, and even the peculiar grey birds that flew across the ancient covidian city. Now I understood the meaning of the name my parents had given me. Kronos. I stretched out my arm and the temptation to touch the portal was almost irresistible. As I touched it, a ripple effect, like touching water, began. I gasped, shocked; my whole body was being sucked into it. An ear-piercing scream emerged from my mouth. Hyperventilating, I struggled to stay conscious. Now half of my body had been sucked into the ancient covidian world. I watched as my fingers transformed into a weird black liquid substance that  was engulfed into the whirlpool. After a few minutes, the other half of my body had been sucked in and I was in the old world.

I watched in dazzling surprise as the portal camouflaged itself into the atmosphere, becoming nearly invisible on the greatest and grandest oak tree I had ever seen. In the future, wood was a commodity only the richest among us had. I felt it and gazed at the mixture of softness and roughness, having never felt anything like it before. Suddenly, I was snapped back to what I was supposed to be doing by a noise, a loud engine that ruined the tranquil air I had been in. It all came back to me then and there. My mission and the steps I needed to take. The first priority was to assassinate a world leader who had caused mass nuclear destruction and unbelievable amounts of death. He was the reason grand cities like London, New York, and Paris no longer stood in the future. The next step was to undo all the horrors of pollution that had been caused. And finally, by far the most complicated step, to make it all seem normal, as if I didn’t come from the future, as if all this was happening by miracle.

I tightened my bag and took out an orb that gleamed with blue lights and a neon flare. When I pressed the button in the center, a gun formed from thin air, a sniper rifle of the future, that had a surprising lightness for a deadly object. Verifying my surroundings, I made sure I was in the right place, where the leader in the past had pressed a big red button, setting off hundreds of dangerous missiles and bombs. As I surveyed, I realized he was a few feet away from me on a platform in the middle of this fantastical green park, about to descend his finger on the button. I readied the rifle, loading it with a bullet. I shot. BANG. Chaos emerged. People screamed, bodyguards shot bullets, tasers came out, and carnage broke loose. I scrambled over to the body I had shot and packed it into a large duffle bag I had prepared. He would be waking up soon, in about 20 minutes. I had only used a tranquilizer bullet. My aim was not to kill but rather to remove power and hide him away. I walked back through the portal, having turned the rifle back into a sphere, the duffle bag in hand. I dropped the duffle bag and took out a pen.

The pen was white and had a golden point to it. I stabbed the man, directly in his vein, with the beautifully made pen and took it out. I added a bandage and went back through the portal, this time into an isolated mountain space, where I found a cozy cabin. Inside, I deposited the man on the bed and dropped a diary on the desk nearby. I had staged the diary to say that he had always lived alone and hated going out and meeting people. He would believe this, as the pen’s ink was filled with memory-draining substances. I had successfully reverted the worst bit of the past back to a suitable peaceful pathway. No more nuclear shenanigans. Then I realized it. Something I had been doubting since the beginning of all of this began. Something I had hoped for my entire life. These choices made in the past that affected the future and made it the miserable place it was, they could be reversed. Kronos, I told myself, you can actually do this. You can save the future and the past, save the lives lost to the dramatic mistakes made. It’s not too late to turn things around. A spark lit in me. One of hope and belief. I would continue my work and change the past.

And I set out to do just that, to write my own story, one of greatness and helpful deeds. If only I knew what I would become with all this newfound power . . . 

In a KidSpirit Fiction article, teen writer Elliot Marie shares a dystopian short story about time travel and a future of destruction.

Kronos

Jewel Yang

At one of the lowest points of my life, I felt like I was completely hopeless. 

Help from my friends was the only thing that saved me during those dark times, and it made me realize the importance of helping others. Helping someone may have a huge impact on the person that's hurt, but help is not just about carrying someone when they injure their leg. Help is way more than that. You can also help people emotionally. Even by comforting them, you are doing something to support them. Sometimes all you need is a pair of helping hands. Helping people, even if it’s unintentional, can be the most life-changing thing to someone, and you might not even know that they needed it. A sentence or few can change their whole perspective. You never know what someone is going through or what is happening in their lives. 

My best friends got me through the worst nine months of my life. It started in January and ended in October of 2022. A “friend” of mine (well, I thought he was a friend) started rumors about me. The rumors were spread by texting and in school. They were not very nice. I told the person to stop spreading false accusations about me at least five times, and every time he continued. I didn’t know what to do. Nothing could stop him. As time went on, more and more people started believing the rumors. Seven months flew by, and everyone was giving me glares and weird looks. I started to feel like I had lost most of my friends. Everyone became the rumor-maker's friend, except for three of my friends. These friends were reassuring me that things were going to get better every single day. I don’t know what I would have done without them. That is how powerful words can be. Words can make people feel comforted, and I don't think my friends know how much their support helped me through the entire situation. 

At the start of September, when I was about to report all of this to school, I asked my friend, whom I had known for nine years, if she could be my witness, because she was also there when we heard the boy spreading rumors. She said, “No, I am not on anyone’s side.” That hurt me the same way as if a car had run over me. What she said made me lose all hope. It felt like nine years of friendship was basically nothing to her. Thankfully, there was another person who was also there and heard the rumors. That person actually volunteered to be my witness without my asking. I was shocked. I had only known that person for two months. Someone I knew for literally two months wanted to be my witness and someone I had known for nine years didn’t want to be my witness. How funny is that? That proves that there are always nice people, but they might not be who you expect. 

When I finally told the school about all the rumors that were being spread about me, the Prefect of Discipline ended up calling everyone involved in the rumor-spreading into his office. The teacher asked all of us our sides of the story. The rumor-maker started denying all the rumors he had spread. All his friends also denied everything. Then, the teacher asked the two people that were standing next to me if it was true that we heard the boy spreading rumors. One of them was the person I have known for nine years. The other was the person I have known for two months. Their answers to the question were completely different. My “friend” of nine years said nothing, instead she started crying, but the person who I had known for two months spoke the truth, word for word. 

After their responses, the Prefect of Discipline told everyone in the room to leave, and I stayed because he had to talk to me. He said he knew who was lying and who was not. He asked me why I had waited so long to let the school know about this situation. I told him it was because I was scared. He told me to never be afraid to speak up, and since then, I have learned to stand up for myself. 

Now that it has been a few months, when I think back, I actually would like to thank the rumor-maker for doing what he did, because he did me a favor. If it wasn’t for what has happened, I wouldn’t have learned so much about humanity. Now, whenever I meet someone new, I can tell whether to trust that person or not. It may seem like a bad experience, but if you think positively, it wasn’t so bad after all. There is always a lesson to every story. From this story I learned that it is rare to have real friends, so cherish them when you know you have found them. Real friends will have your back no matter what. Fake friends come and go. 

In a KidSpirit Helping Hands article, teen writer Jewel Yang explains how her friends supported her during a difficult experience with bullying.

Rumors, Rumors, Rumors

Konrad Tittel

Those solemn fits of nostalgia only creep out from under the ashes of time when darkness blankets my room; when the fan above me slices through the stubbornly still air; when beads of rain incessantly knock at the window, each a vain, annoying attempt at trapping my gaze in the ever-growing vacuum outside. 

I lie there in bed, restlessly staring at this fan above me as its blades — barely illuminated by the thin moonlight piercing the darkness — desperately fight off the stale air in the room, fight off some presiding force intrinsically tethered to my very soul. This air, this air that I breathed my whole life, that foresaw my growth every night, that watched over me as I arose every morning, the young vitality in my eyes shining brighter than the sun. But no, those days are gone now, and that air has flown out the window into the ravenous darkness and the flames in my eyes have tapered into a slim candlelight. Yet with each knock of the now intensifying rain I fall farther and farther into the past, into a time when the possibility of failure never crossed my mind, when innocence blanketed my gaze from the crimson evil of the world, when my greatest worries were whether I would get coal for Christmas or whether the weather was fit to play soccer or whether the rain would shut down school–suddenly, the subtlest hue of green cuts through the dense darkness for just a moment, its glint seemingly lingering on the pellets of rain on the window. As it pierces through my thoughts, I finally realize that I cannot repeat the past, cannot dwell on what is no longer within my grasp. My nostalgia disintegrates into small particles of continued appreciation, of acceptance, and my dreams for the future finally appear — clearer than ever.

In a KidSpirit poem, teen poet Konrad Tittel ponders nostalgia and his longing for the past.

Ashes of Time

Oksana Sheremeta

Autumn's arrival marks a change of scene, 
As summer's greenery turns golden and lean. 
The leaves on trees, dance and sway, 
In shades of red, orange, and yellow, hooray!

The air becomes cooler, a briskness felt, 
As nature's canvas begins to melt. 
The harvest season is upon us, 
With farmers gathering crops without a fuss.

Apples, pumpkins, and squash galore, 
Autumn's bounty, we can't ignore. 
The days grow shorter, the nights grow long, 
But the chill of the air is nature's song.

As autumn sets in, we can't help but sigh, 
For it's a reminder that time goes by. 
Yet let us cherish this season of change, 
When nature revels in its beautiful exchange.

So enjoy the magic of autumn's spell, 
And hold dear the memories it will forever tell.

In a KidSpirit poem, teen poet Oksana Sheremeta pens an ode to fall and the changing seasons.

Autumn’s Symphony: A Tapestry of Colors and Change 

Jude Sheriff

Time. Time is curious but yet furious.  
Go back in time and you become a stranger,
Go forward in time and you become a danger.
But time is not something to play with,
And don’t think you can meddle with.
For if you do, it will be strange
For you to go back because everything will change.
But if you try to live the moment,
Surely you’ll conquer it.

In a KidSpirit poem, teen poet Jude Sheriff explores the nuances of time.

Conquering Time

I slept before sleep.
I crept to some burrow of the earth and
wept as your footsteps
pressed upon my sallow chest.

I began to reminisce an ache
that did not yet exist.
As you felt the ghostly déjà vu
of a faded tune I played for you.

I tried to write you poetry,
but blank verses fell faster than I could chase them, fireflies
dancing out of reach
their bright light taunted me.

I once read the world splits lovers apart
One alive, gazing — night full of stars.
The other buried with brittle bones, forgotten artefacts.
But then I didn’t know

that from my slumber I awoke
As you brushed the dirt from my cheek.
From then, I did, I did, I did,
Dear now, I do.

Dear Now From Then

Fifi Wang

Then and now: I bend
the classroom door & eat
the clock’s hour hand.
Count to a hundred// Then
inhale yesterday in pebbles
like tiny crab hatchlings
skittering sand to shore,
an orbit of Earth
polished by words. Like
I am here but I am all of my
past, too.// Hexagons &
honey bees (and Edens, and
Babylons) tuck minutes
within China teacups &
pour water like we could
ever last. Then and now//
have you heard about
the Fermi Paradox? Take
my unfastened wrist; we
long for a Giver’s Elsewhere
beyond then & now.

In a KidSpirit poem, teen poet Fifi Wang reflects on the little moments that make up her past.

Bend the Classroom Door

Zainab Khan

What is perceived by many to be a static rendition of the stories of bygone eras is in reality an ever-changing and ongoing process.

Time has ebbed and flowed in the same pattern since the inception of the world. 

Empires have risen and fallen in a cyclical manner, with every force met by a counterforce. Each revolution has been a silhouette of the one that came before it. The existence of such paradigms carry the implication that historical processes are dynamic, much like the study of history itself. What is perceived by many to be a static rendition of the stories of bygone eras is in reality an ever-changing and ongoing process — one that is constantly subject to revision and re-evaluation, criticism, and consolidation. Hence, the definition and nature of historiography — the study of the history of history — has evolved amongst generations of historians, and even more so with the onset of the digital age.

Before we delve into the various approaches to studying history, we must first gain an understanding of the underlying notion of its dynamism: the past itself never changes. While these two concepts may appear paradoxical at first, when put into the context of historiography, it begins to make perfect sense. The past cannot change, but our understanding and interpretation of it is ever-evolving. This idea is elaborated by Jennifer Llewellyn and Steve Thomspon in their article on historiography, which describes the discipline of history as, “an ongoing dialogue, not an unchanging concrete monument to the past.” Once the distinction between historical fact and interpretation becomes clear, we understand why a multitude of approaches and methodologies exist in the first place, and indeed, why the predominant approach shifts within and between generations of historians.

For example, consider the changes to the field of history that occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries — an era of change that permanently altered scholarly interpretations of the past. While prior historians adopted the “traditional approach,” characterized by a reliance upon biographies and oral traditions for the basis of their work, the late 19th and early 20th century illustrated a shift in the field of historical research that endorsed a more social-scientific approach to analyzing history. This new approach — later termed “Empiricism” — was introduced by the German historian, Leopold von Ranke (1795-1886), who believed historiography should aim to reveal the "wie es eigentlich gewesen" (how it actually happened). In essence, he likened the field of history to a scientific discipline, which required scholars to focus on method in an effort to produce the most accurate depiction of past people and events. Empiricists defended the notion that the past was “both observable and verifiable,” and that by taking the scientific approach, their analyses would be unbiased and impartial, thus minimizing the role of perspective and subjectivity in historical narration.				

Empiricism had a lasting impact on the way history is perceived today, with historians still attempting to uphold the principles of objectivity and impartiality in their interpretations of the past. The authentication of primary sources, crucial to Empirical research methodology, ensured a structural approach that would not have been possible without the incorporation of science into the field of history — in short, without Empirical research, historical works would have been dependent upon the inclinations of those who wrote them. While 19th-century historians directed their attention toward finding the truth, this was not without its shortcomings. Most documents produced at this time were those of “social winners” (Adrian Worsfold), and hence partial in nature. So despite the historian’s endeavors to be objective, the content of the sources themselves indicated partiality since they largely ignored the contributions made by ordinary people to the course of history. Additionally, historians may well have been oblivious to their inherent personal bias, stemming from the predominant ideologies and cultural influences of their time.

In contrast to late 19th-century historiography, the dawn of the 20th century welcomed a new approach that replaced the “social-scientific” method of research with one that was less logically compelling and featured the use of rhetoric. Revisionist historians of the early- and mid-20th centuries challenged prior approaches by arguing that truths were, in the words of Anna Green and Kathleen Troup, “unattainable … and all statements about history are connected or relative to the position of those who make them.” Consequently, a dramatic transition to new perspectives and approaches occurred, with scholars now focused on “ideologically motivated” history (to quote Mark Donnelly and Claire Norton), increasingly involving studies on social class, gender, and ethnicity. During this period, Marxist historiography emerged as a school of thought influenced by the ideology of revolutionary philosopher Karl Marx (1818-1883), and this conformed to the idea that social class and economic restraints were important determinants of historical outcomes.

Whereas Empiricist historians emphasized the rule of the state (which they believed to be the most significant influence on society), Marxist historians gradually shifted the focus away from the state and toward the masses of ordinary people. The effect of this new focus was the introduction of “people's history” — a narrative approach to history that accounted for past events through the eyes of common people instead of “great men” (leaders) and “social winners.” A critical component of this approach involved post-colonial historians and their reconstruction of the concept of imperialism. “People’s history” sought to overturn the belief that contributions made by the West to society at large were purely beneficiary, by taking into account the experiences of colonized groups under imperial domination. In exposing the exploitation of colonized groups by the West, these historians highlighted an aspect of history that had been obscure. Likewise, Marxist historians brought to the fore the oppression of the working class at the hands of the wealthy, by giving a voice to those belonging to the lower strata of society.						

The introduction of the “people’s history” approach proved to be a critical juncture for the field of history, and its impact extended into the late 20th century. With the upswing of the Civil Rights and feminist movements in the 1960s and ‘70s, the profession of history began to take into account the profound narratives of minorities (especially Black people) and developments in gender theory. In doing so, a thorough and holistic rendition of history was composed. The transition to such an approach therefore remains relevant for historians in modern times, as they continue their research into previously disempowered and marginalized groups.						

So what do approaches to history look like at present? With the transition to the information age, the field of history – like many other fields – has witnessed unprecedented change as it adapts to the digital devices of the future. The advent of the Internet has seen a rapid digitalization of historical archives, which has resulted in history becoming far more accessible than ever before. Where previous historians dealt with a scarcity of sources to produce accounts of the past, there is now an abundance of information that is readily available for anyone to use. This development presents challenges, as voiced by Jani Marjanen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki: “The openness of the data allows for new interventions from people who have not used their long careers to build up that domain knowledge.” He argues, however, that this is not as bad as it seems. In general, better access to historical material means that people can express new perspectives and interpretations of history that will open up the field to new approaches.

At present, the profession of history leans towards an interdisciplinary approach — an amalgamation of numerous approaches curated by prior generations of historians. Such an approach is denoted by its “comprehensiveness in scope” and “eclecticism,” in the words of T. C. R. Horn and Harry Ritter, meaning that interdisciplinary historians do not belong to any particular school of thought — rather, they take the liberty to select theories and employ methods from various schools of thought. Interestingly, they have made use of concepts and approaches developed by scholars of other disciplines, most notably political science, psychology, sociology, and even statistics and mathematics as of late. This idea is seconded by Professor Rebecca Earle, head of the Department of History at Warwick University: “Insight into the past can be gained from many different sources, and ideas developed in many different disciplines can help us make sense of them.” Hence, the interdisciplinary approach provides the groundwork not only for a more nuanced understanding of history itself but also for a collaboration between scholars of various fields that prompts a better understanding of the future.						

In conclusion, historiography, or the way we study the past, is relevant today for a multitude of reasons. It enables us to recognise that historical narratives may be altered by the perceptions of their narrators, often leading to an inadequate representation of history. In challenging conventional narratives, it calls attention to the perspectives of marginalized groups, without which these accounts may have been exclusionary and largely inaccurate. Most crucially, the study of historiography contributes to the progress of history as a discipline, as it encourages both students and historians to think about the methods, biases, and contextual factors that come into play in historical interpretation.

With this being said, the shifts in historiographical approaches and methods within the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries have paved the way for not only a greater degree of impartiality and accuracy in historical research, but also for the emergence of new viewpoints from history enthusiasts and scholars of humanistic disciplines alike. We find that while each approach is distinct in its features and methodologies — whether traditional, social-scientific, ideologically motivated, or interdisciplinary — they all reshape our understanding of the past, and underline the irrefutable fact that history has always been dynamic.

Abushouk, Ahmed Ibrahim, and Mahjoob Zweiri, eds. Interdisciplinarity in world history: Continuity and change. Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2016. 

“Approach to History.” ScienceDirect. Accessed October 8, 2023. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/approach-to-history. 

Horn, T. C., and Harry Ritter. “Interdisciplinary History: A Historiographical Review.” The History Teacher 19, no. 3 (May 1986): 427. https://doi.org/10.2307/493382. 

Iggers, George G. “Historiography in the Twentieth Century.” Google Books. Accessed October 8, 2023. https://books.google.com.pk/books?hl=en&amp;lr=&amp;id=b4JvKFcAzKwC&amp;oi=fnd&amp;pg=PP2&amp;dq=iggers%2Bhistoriography&amp;ots=mvFCv-CMLv&amp;sig=K6z_0WtzlUCsqoeYMaxrPbhAYlE&amp;redir_esc=+y#v=onepage&amp;q=iggers%20historiography&amp;f=false. 

Interdisciplinarity in History. Accessed October 8, 2023. https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/history/students/studentopportunities/interdisciplinarity/. 

Llewellyn, Jennifer, and Steve Thompson. “What Is Historiography?” Alpha History, November 23, 2019. https://alphahistory.com/what-is-historiography/#:~:text=While%20the%20past%20itself%20%20never,way%20we%20understand%20the%20past. 

Marjanen, Jani. “How Digitalization Changes History (and Maybe Also Historical Research).” NewsEye, December 3, 2018. https://www.newseye.eu/blog/news/how-digitalization-changes-history-and-maybe-also-historical-research/. 

Slawson, Larry. “Changes in Historiographical Methodology - Owlcation.” Owlcation, January 2, 2023. https://owlcation.com/humanities/Changes-in-Historiographical-Methodology. 

Stearns, Peter N. “Why Study History?” Mr. Tredinnick’s Social Studies Class, 2022. http://www.mrtredinnick.com/uploads/7/2/1/5/7215292/_why_study_history.pdf. 

Swanson, Heather Anne, Jens-Christian Svenning, Alark Saxena, Robert Muscarella, Janet Franklin, Matteo Garbelotto, Andrew S Matthews, et al. “History as Grounds for Interdisciplinarity: Promoting Sustainable Woodlands via an Integrative Ecological and Socio-Cultural Perspective.” ScienceDirect, February 19, 2021. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S259033222100052X. 

Vann, Richard T. “From Explanation to Interpretation.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Accessed October 8, 2023. https://www.britannica.com/topic/historiography/From-explanation-to-interpretation. 

Worsfold, Adrian. “Historiography: Empirical Approach.” Pluralist. Accessed October 8, 2023. http://www.pluralist.co.uk/learning/history/empiricism.html. 

The Dynamism of History

Richard Siyi HE

Time is gray.
Composed of black oblivion and white memory.
Constantly spinning, harmonizing, colliding and entwining.
Eventually, it shatters.
Time is blood red, sunset yellow, and lake blue.
Constructed from sunlight and moisture to create nature’s green,
Dyed into winter’s silver, summer’s vermilion, autumn’s orange.
Expanding further outward to become a universe of pitch black,
Only stars are born and extinguished.
Time is transparent.
Exerted endless power to shape the world,
Willing to trade fleeting temptation for fragile perception,
Balancing values and transitioning between motion and stillness.
But,
It wraps itself in a cocoon,
Not allowing anyone to delve, see or perceive.

In a KidSpirit poem, teen poet Richard Siyi HE ponders the meaning of time.

Time ∙ Cocoon

Nikita Zinoviev

2099, which is almost the end of the century. This age is called “The Century of Science Ending,” because of the incredible speed of research in every field of life. 

Flying cars, 300-floor skyscrapers, space trips, multi-vaccines, pills of youth — these things were only in people's minds just 40 years ago. All dangerous jobs are fulfilled by robots with AI (artificial intelligence). This technology comes in second place among inventions of the last 100 years; number one is unconditionally “The Pill of Youth.” It changed our DNA and made the new generation’s lives last for a minimum of 90 years. To be honest, age doesn’t matter now, since all the people who are under 120 years feel the same as when they are 20 years old. “Looks like a perfect future!” you may say. But what is the real situation? Let's see!

Kharkiv has become the industrial heart of Europe. The city area has grown so much that everyone started to call it “Big Kharkiv '' (like Big Tokyo). Taking into consideration its infrastructure, you can surely say that this megapolis is perfect. However, the only thing which was not industrialized was the city center. Now this huge area has become a historical museum. The crime level has reached 0% since 2084. It has been the safest place in the world for the last 15 years. People's lives have become incredibly sufficient: free education at all Kharkiv schools, colleges, and universities, provided people with jobs and eradicated homelessness. The perpetual motion machine became a reality in 2065, when it was invented here by the father of our main character, Max. This modest, brown-eyed boy was very dreamy because he wanted to make as big a contribution as his father. However, it was not a piece of cake. Nevertheless, the father thought of another plan for his son’s future, because he knew the high price of big inventions. Luckily, Max had some incredible friends, who did their best to help him. Jessie, Abram, and Liam were always by his side.

Max was a very creative child. At the age of 5 he wrote a few poems, which were published on his kindergarten website. Since the first grade he has been learning three foreign languages and now spoke English, French, Polish, Spanish, and Arabic. Because of that, his father wanted him to become a translator 

"I'm sorry, Dad, I have my own plans for the future. I hope you understand me and accept my way." Sam has always been a role model for his son. It was Max’s greatest wish in life to be like his father. He found motivation in reading and analyzing celebrity science projects. He wanted to spend time in the past, when nothing was invented. But Max's parents had a different mind. All these factors created a rift between Max and his family. As the boy grew, the distance between them grew. It was difficult for the young man to understand and accept this fact, but his friends always helped him. They enjoyed spending all their time together exploring the mysteries of the past and imagining the future full of scientific breakthroughs. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity and the unwavering support of his friends, Max's dream of becoming a scientist grew brighter day by day. To his father's disapproval, the boy could not ignore his passion: he was forced to read scientific journals, attend lectures and seminars, and conduct experiments in makeshift laboratories. He spent hours with his friends Jessie, Abram, and Liam by his side, offering encouragement and help whenever he needed. Science was only their hobby, but assisting their best mate made them extremely happy.

As he delved deeper into the world of science, Max became interested in the concept of time travel. He believed that by unlocking the mysteries of time, he could not only explore the past, but also shape the future. The young man studied the work of a famous physicist and inventor who boldly explored this topic. Finally, after months of dedication and hard work, Max made a breakthrough discovery. He successfully built a prototype time machine, allowing time travel. His excitement was indescribable. This was his chance to prove to his father that dreams could become reality through unwavering determination and relentless pursuit. The first studies aimed to research the immediate past. However, Max was only reporting to his friends because he wanted to prove his discovery to his father in the best way. The main idea of his hard work was that science would live on as long as people were interested in it. Max was interested in one day in 2014, when his father was finishing some research. He wanted to know how his father was when he worked on something important and find the answer to the question, “Why does the dearest person in my life not want me to follow in his footsteps?” Sam’s biggest unfinished project was creating the time machine. “It will be the best way to give my father a reason to be proud of me,” said Max. After going through a few moments in his father’s life, the boy realized that this dream had a very high price: numerous sleepless nights, tons of used paper and long-lasting headaches — all these factors caused the disagreement between them. Nevertheless, Max understood and was ready to overcome these obstacles.

After writing a lot of reports, collecting more and more information about the time machine, Max was ready to fascinate the world. First of all, he went to the Kharkiv National Scientific Center (KNSC) and showed his achievements to the scientists. Then they went to Max’s house all together to see the time machine by themselves. Sam was really impressed by seeing his coworkers working with his son, but he still had no idea what the project was. After 20 minutes of successful tests, one of Sam’s colleagues came into the kitchen and turned to Sam: “My congratulations! Max managed to fulfill your greatest dream. You can be proud of him!” After these words Sam realized that the only ambition he had yet to finish was this last project — the time machine. He came into Max’s room and started to cry happily because of overflowing emotions. “I’m extremely lucky to have such a son as you, Max. You’re the one who is strong and brave, and who cares about his future!”

In a KidSpirit Fiction piece, teen writer Nikita Zinoviev imagines a brighter future.

Childhood in an Alternative World

Noah Carlevarini

Ollie is my pet dog and is my first and only pet. This furry fellow came into my life when I was 10 years old (Ollie was only 14 weeks). It has been the best experience I've ever had.

During the Covid pandemic, my family moved from a tiny apartment in New York City to a house in the country in upstate New York. This was our chance to get a dog. My sister and I had been asking, begging for a dog, and our wish finally came true. My parents were adamant that we "adopt" a puppy rather than "buy" him, so it took longer and was a huge surprise when it finally happened. We were all very excited.

The rescue company had found him in a Toy Story box on the side of the road with his mother, brothers, and sisters. His mother had a bebe in her head, they said she looked badly abused. They named him Sid after one of the characters in the movie, but we wanted to give him a new name. When we were thinking of his forever name, I came up with Ollie. It is short for Oliver, who is my best friend from NYC. My dad wanted to name him "Sid" Vicious after a punk musician but my name won with the support of my mom and sister. Ollie and his siblings had only been born one or two days before they were found in that box. He was rescued from Tupelo, Mississippi, and then lived in a foster home in New Jersey, before finally making his way up the highway to a rest stop in Connecticut, where we met him. I mapped his journey with Google and the whole trip was 1,255 miles. 

The highway stop was very loud, with all the passing cars and people lining up to eat at the suspect-looking diner and pump gas. The rest stop smelled of gas and looked crummy and old, but I felt that this was going to be the most exciting thing to ever happen to me. The trailer transporting our new dog was over an hour late, so we were stressed. Were we at the correct place, was this going to happen, did we miss our chance, was this a scam? We kind of felt like fools for waiting for a dog that might never come. I was so stressed that I felt like I was pulling my hair out. My family got him from a white van with tons of dog cages that arrived at the gas station. He was as small as the length of my arm and his eyes were so innocent, but he was also nervous and starving. We picked him up, took him to our car, and then drove home.

When we got home and I got to play with him, it was hard to choose the word that best described it; so I'd say it was "overwhelming." I was filled with anxiety, happiness, and thought. "What if Ollie turns out to be sick and we have to immediately get a doctor?" "What chores will I have to do to take care of this dog?" I had so many questions. Ollie was a "Covid" adoption so he was not used to strangers coming over. Quarantined in place, Ollie never met our best friends, and our doorbell never rang, so "strangers were dangerous." In my experience, Ollie is very affectionate toward us as he goes on my bed and cuddles with me. He loves playing with me, he loves his doggie friends, and he loves treats.

To be honest, Ollie is a handful, but he is loving, cautious, a bit crazy, and, his biggest and most unrivaled trait of all, he is adorable. It is such a weird and unique task for me to take care of a dog. It's been stressful but he has evolved into what I think is the best kind of dog. My 10-year-old dream of owning a dog was finally realized and now I have this little furball of bones and cuteness that I must help to take care of.

Overall, Ollie has changed my life for the better, both mentally and physically. He is entertaining and funny but always wants affection for himself, like when he plays tug-of-war or fetch, especially when he lays his head on my lap and falls asleep. Seeing him happy makes me happy. He also helps with my family's mental health by just sticking around and being funny. He is the best dog and I hope I see him old and frail. I love him so much, and I cannot fathom my life without him. I cannot help but be affectionate to this real-life Scooby Doo; he is so good to be around, and I could not help but write a story about my experience. If you do get a dog, I think that even when it's hard at first (like with Ollie), it will get smoother and you will enjoy the training and walks with him, which I am slowly liking. If you have ever wanted a dog, I hope my experience helps influence your decision.

In a KidSpirit Awesome Moments article, teen writer Noah Carlevarini relives the amazing moment he found his new best canine friend. 

Ollie

Maha Shamsi

Now and Then, an intimate ballet, 
Like cosmic partners, forever to sway, 
In graceful union, their steps align, 
A symphony of moments, divine.

In the realm of Now, courage takes flight, 
Igniting passions, breaking through the night, 
With wings of belief, dreams soar high, 
Creating a tapestry, where hopes never die.

Yet in the embrace of Then, solace prevails, 
When life's tempests rage and courage fails, 
In memories' arms, we find sweet reprieve, 
Nostalgia's sanctuary, where hearts can retrieve.

Now and Then, a paradox to behold, 
Threads of existence, intricately woven, bold, 
They shape our narratives, our destinies quest, 
An eternal dance, where time finds its rest.

So let us cherish the embrace they share, 
For without one, the other remains bare, 
In life's tapestry, they find their place, 
A harmonious duet, where spirits embrace.

In a KidSpirit poem, teen poet Maha Shamsi paints the intricate dance between past and present.

Now and Then

Claire You

I am a passenger of life, both cursed and blessed
I’ll see the maple leaves in my backyard change colors
I’ll greet winter this year just like any other
But would I really

As each year passes, I am more free and shackled than ever
Afraid of time and afraid of what I’d lose to it
Now and then, I think of the past and the future
My 6-year-old self and the 20-year-old doing who knows what
I’d like to think that I have control over this car
That takes me down the highway of life
But realization passes occasionally
Leaving me to hold on tight and get ready
To fix the engine whenever it breaks down

So when I think about today, I think about the math homework I did
And the breezy weather
Reminiscing about yesterday, I smile at the memory of me laughing to a story
And to finish this incomplete phrase
For tomorrow, I hope the best for me and the world
Till now and then to next

In a KidSpirit poem, teen poet Claire You contemplates our powerlessness to control the flow of time from past, to present, to future.

I Am a Passenger

Adya Sarin

 Research has found that visual media has the power to shape our memory of the past. However, these representations are often selective and idealized.

Humankind has always held a deep-seated interest in all forms of media exploring the human experience through the realms of literature and cinema, and there is no rival to the allure of a captivating retelling of history. 

Whether it is through classic novels or modern-day dramatized films, these written and visual depictions of the past are sure to entertain and engage viewers of all ages and backgrounds. Yet, amidst this entertainment, a critical question arises about the idealization of the past in books and film. To what extent is our modern-day understanding of the past simply a version of the truth? Do these artistic mediums present a distorted, rose-tinted version of history? Research has found that visual media, such as film and photography, has the power to shape our memory of the past. However, these representations are often selective and idealized, which can distort our understanding of history.

The idealization of the past in books and film often arises from the inherent human inclination toward the passive consumption of information, that, in turn, leads filmmakers and writers to cater to these desires rather than challenge their viewers critically. The film depiction of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby serves as a prime representation of this "entertainment" that humans so greatly desire, with its depiction of the roaring '20s as a time of lavish parties and grandeur, blatantly ignoring the social and economic inequalities, the beginning of the Great Depression, the prevalent discrimination, and so many more aspects that made the time period not as glamorous as typically portrayed  on screen. Only when examined on a deeper level can one truly understand the critique made by Fitzgerald on the darker side of the American Dream, while on the surface it remains a captivating, illusory, and romantic depiction of a time period that was often the opposite.

Similarly, contemporary television dramas, such as Shondaland’s Bridgerton, present the Regency Era as one filled with privilege and modern-day-equivalent plot lines, solely depicting this time period through the lens of High Society, and ignoring the misogyny and racism that so strongly prevailed at the time. This gives the viewers a rather distorted glimpse into what it was like to be part of it. It is important to recognize that British period dramas as a genre “frequently idealize the past and distance viewers from the reality of history and the genre often portrays a romanticized view of the past that is disconnected from the social and political realities of the time." All they do, ultimately, is cater to this human desire for entertainment while distancing us from uncomfortable truths.

Additionally, filmmakers and authors often choose to simplify complicated historical narratives, providing the consumer of this media a largely edited depiction  of reality. This pattern appears rather predominantly in children's media. Take the on-screen television adaptation of the Little House on the Prairie as an example. Children are told of the wholesome, idyllic life on the serene and tranquil prairie, and they’re shown pictures of this beautiful, rustic daydream that is imprinted on their brains as an image of the past. But what of the struggles faced by pioneers, of starvation, of exhaustion, of discrimination? Of course, it made no sense to have such hardships depicted in a popular television show, but it’s the introduction of the distortion of the historical world at such a young age that results in one’s eventual understanding of the past through various forms of media. Additionally, movies including The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, Life is Beautiful, and Jakob the Liar all present partially deconstructed and unrealistic versions of the Holocaust, giving in to this temptation of simplification for the sake of a plot. Historic critic Sophia Marshman contends that “the Holocaust has been brought to the attention of millions of people, yet in a softened and distorted guise.” Afterall, the problem with using feature films as historical evidence is that they tend to simplify and distill complex historical events and processes in order to tell a coherent and dramatic story.

Psychologically speaking, it is far easier for humans to understand the past if it’s presented in this simplified manner. A majority of movie-watchers are made up of the general population, who simply engage in media for relaxation. In 2014, 40% of US adults reported they watch two or more hours of television or movies a day to manage their stress levels, while 36% read. Since the primary purpose of movies and novels is to provide relief from contemporary challenges, media has become a sort of safe haven for its consumers. Why would we willingly engage in media displaying the struggles and hardships of others? We would much rather find ourselves caught in thrilling tales of the past, dramatized, but not realistic. Such is the case with the modern film adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. The story is set in the early 19th century in England, which is an era often depicted by the media as a time of manners, etiquette, and courtship, blurring over the harsh realities of the social and economic issues at the time.

Romanticizing the past and looking at it through these rose-tinted glasses is sure to have its implications on the present and the contemporary understanding of history as a whole. By glossing over inequalities and presenting a sanitized, edited version of the past, the media can downplay the various social, economic, and political inequalities that were present during specific historical periods. This in turn can perpetuate a false sense of equality, masking the struggles and injustices faced by marginalized groups in the past. Furthermore, romanticization of the past creates a false sense of nostalgia in those who haven't even experienced such time periods, undermining efforts for social progress and change in the modern way. Getting lost in a false history is not only severely dangerous but detrimental to the efforts made by so many communities who have fought hard to gain an equal voice. Presenting things as picture perfect further propagates beliefs of pre-set equality and justice.

Nevertheless, modern media has been experiencing a rise of historically accurate docudramas over the last few decades. Chernobyl (2019), a miniseries that depicts the events surrounding the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986, gives the viewer a realistic and grounded portrayal of the disaster and its catastrophic aftermath. Additionally, Selma (2014) is a historical drama based on the Selma to Montgomery marches  in 1965, during the Civil Rights Movement. The film gives the viewer clear insight into the challenges faced by civil rights activists and the significance of the Voting Rights Act, presenting the realities of the rampant inequality at the time for what they were.

Although the past is presented through rose-tinted glasses in a majority of modern day media, this does not take away from the equally significant presentation of it as a time of hardship and struggle that the modern audience can learn from. Whether the past is solely idealized is a topic that is yet to be fully understood, but even glimmers of this romanticization can have dire effects on its audience. A question that arises as a result of this deconstruction of the presentation of history in the media is whether, in the future, our modern-day struggles will too be presented as something they are not. Will the pandemic be interpreted through the same rose-tinted glasses through which we scrutinize historical wars and economic crises? Not only is it essential to question the narratives we consume about the past, but to discuss the potential implications they may have on our understanding of the present.

“Most Common Stress Management Activities Among U.S. Adults in 2014.” Statista, February 4, 2015. https://www.statista.com/statistics/315715/ways-that-us-adults-manage-stress/. 

Marshman, Sophia. “From the Margins to the Mainstream? Representations of the Holocaust in Popular Culture.” University of Glasgow. Accessed October 17, 2023. https://www.gla.ac.uk/media/Media_41177_smxx.pdf. 

Rosenstone, Robert A. History on Film/Film on History. Longman/Pearson, 2006. 

In a KidSpirit Feature article, teen writer Adya Sarin explores how history is idealized in books, TV, and movies. 

A Rose-Tinted Past

Ananya Verma

The world has witnessed the journeys of many people who faced oppression, prejudice, and humiliation and had their dreams turn to ashes. 

We have also seen some others, who overcame all hurdles and soared successfully to the stars with their brilliance. Set at the dawn of the American Civil Rights movement, Hidden Figures reveals the tale of women mathematicians employed at the space program. Whether by running half a mile to the other side of Langley just to use the restroom or attending classes in a room full of white men, the central characters sparkle like three diamonds in the rough who outdo themselves time and time again, setting new milestones for others to follow.

Hidden Figures is a biographical movie directed by Theodore Melfi and inspired by Margot Lee Shetterly’s book of the same name. The movie unravels the legacy of three African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during a time when workplaces were segregated on the basis of gender and race. This movie narrates the untold story of Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson and how their role was instrumental in the success of NASA’s early space program.

It all started in 1961, amidst the Cold War and the Space Race between the United States and erstwhile Soviet Union. The protagonist, Katherine Goble Johnson, played by Taraji P. Henson, is a very gifted mathematician in the Space Task Group. Whether it is calculating the growth trajectories of the capsule or locating the exact coordinates of the landing zone (without modern-day computers), Katherine’s work is nothing short of pure excellence. She wants to be recognized for her efforts, yet she is constantly undermined and humiliated in an all-white team. Katherine shows great determination and perseverance throughout her journey. I admire her character, poise, and resilience. She never backs down in the face of discrimination and lets her extraordinary work speak for itself.

Dorothy Vaughan is played by Octavia Spencer. The tale of Dorothy Vaughan is not just about securing victory, but also about being the rising tide that lifts all boats. It is about succeeding and ensuring no one is left behind. To my mind she is a visionary leader. Dorothy fights for her own voice to be heard and counted but also for the colored staff she supervises. She declines a promotion unless her team (which she has trained and prepared) can come with her. It is said fortune favors the brave. Dorothy is successful in her endeavors. Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams give an amazing backing track to complement one of the most iconic scenes of the film, where Dorothy triumphantly marches with her team from the West Area to the IBM room.

Hidden Figures also showcases the story of another warrior, Mary Jackson, played by Janelle Monáe. She aspires to be an aeronautical engineer after being assigned to the heat shield team and realizing her potential. She applies to Hampton High School and is denied admission, but she is determined not to let her racial identity become an obstacle toward her goal. One of my favorite dialogues in the film is when she says to the Judge, “I, Sir, plan on being an engineer at NASA, but I can’t do that without taking classes at that all-white high school. And I can’t change the color of my skin. So, I have no choice but to be the first.”

This movie is a true cinematic gem and one of cinematographer Mandy Walker’s most beautiful illustrations. For such a story to be compelling and powerful, it has to be brought out with perfection, capturing the essence of the ‘60s with style. From the wardrobe design to the color palette used for the sets, everything is authentic and well researched. From the camera angles used in the opening scene where Dorothy is seen sliding under a car to repair it, to the climax scene when Katherine is atop the ladder calculating the coordinates, there is a transition showing how these women earned their respect and achieved parity at their workplace. It’s remarkable how the cinematographer always frames Katherine as a sole colored pearl in the ocean of white men in their white shirts at the NASA Space Task Group, where she bedazzles everybody with her keen mathematical acumen.

The movie also has a masterpiece of a soundtrack. In each scene, the musical effects complement the characters’ experiences and capture their emotions. The tracks also have a subtle cultural reference when Pharell infuses the music with elements of jazz, gospel, and R&B. The soundtrack, featuring soulful melodies and spirited rhythms, are harmonious with the uplifting and inspirational story. The music reveals the characters' determination to overcome adversity, achieve their own dreams, and fulfill the resolve and pride of the American people in conquering space, thus resonating with viewers on a profound personal level. Throughout the story, the music plays a pivotal role - bridging the gap between the historical times and their relevance in today’s world.

Hidden Figures is truly an inspiring movie and a tribute to these three women mathematicians who became an inspiration to generations of girls to find their roots in the field of STEM learning. I give it a full five-star rating. If you want to find out how a simple segregated coffee pot could symbolize the story of the contributions of three colored women in sending a white man all the way to space and back, put on your space helmet and watch this amazing movie!

In a KidSpirit Media review, teen writer Ananya Verma gives her take on the movie Hidden Figures.

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