Post #2 Amanda Alfonso

The Change Is In Your Hands Too
What I learned from changemakers

In my second Public Speaking class presentation, we had a really unique assignment: each team had to present about changemakers from different centuries. The idea was to see history not just as a series of dates or events, but as a collection of people who dared to challenge the world, take risks, and leave a lasting impact. I didn’t realize how much I would learn, not just about history, but about courage, creativity, and responsibility.

We started with the team that presented about changemakers in the 1700s, a century full of political revolutions. The first team presented figures like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. Listening to their stories, I realized that these were people who didn’t just react to history, they shaped it. Washington’s leadership in the Revolutionary War, for example, wasn’t just about winning battles; it was about inspiring people to believe in something bigger than themselves. Franklin’s inventions and diplomacy showed me that innovation and ideas can change the world in ways that last for centuries. 

What stood out to me most about the 1700s changemakers was how much they relied on vision and persistence. They faced uncertainty, opposition, and danger, yet they moved forward because they believed in a better future. It made me think: being a changemaker isn’t about being perfect or having all the answers. It’s about taking risks and trusting your vision enough to act, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Then the second presentation was the changemakers in the 1800s, a century of industrialization, social reform, and groundbreaking inventions. The team presented a mix of scientists, activists, inventors, and leaders: John Rockefeller, Nikola Tesla, Jane Addams, Thomas Edison, Harriet Jacobs, Harriet Tubman, and Abraham Lincoln. At first, it felt overwhelming, so many different fields and causes. But the more I listened, the more I noticed a pattern: these changemakers were all problem-solvers.

Take Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, for example. Both were inventors, but they approached problems differently. Tesla’s ideas were revolutionary, sometimes ahead of his time, while Edison focused on practical solutions that could be widely applied. It showed me that being a changemaker doesn’t have a single path, you can change the world by dreaming big, or by finding practical ways to make things better.

On the other side, Harriet Tubman and Harriet Jacobs were incredible examples of courage and resilience. They risked their lives to fight for freedom and human rights. Listening to their stories made me realize that changing the world is not just about creating new things or building systems, it’s also about fighting for justice and standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. And then there’s Abraham Lincoln, whose leadership during the Civil War and commitment to ending slavery showed that moral courage and political skill can reshape a nation.

The third group, which is mine, reached the 1900s, the century that feels closest to us, yet still full of changemakers who challenged norms and inspired millions. My team presented figures like Martin Luther King Jr. (who I personally spoke about), Rosa Parks, Frank Church, Duke Ellington, Susan B. Anthony, Paul McCartney, and Rachel Carson. Preparing my presentation on Martin Luther King was one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had in this class. I had to think not only about what he did, but why he did it, and how ordinary people can contribute to extraordinary change.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s dedication to nonviolence and equality wasn’t easy. He faced constant threats, ridicule, and obstacles. Yet, he kept moving forward, believing in a vision of justice that was bigger than any one person. I found myself reflecting on my own life, how often do I let fear stop me from speaking up, or from acting on something I know is right? Martin Luther King Jr. reminded me that being a changemaker often means taking the difficult path and standing firm even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.

Listening to the rest of the 1900s changemakers, I noticed how different ways of changing the world can be. Rosa Parks changed history with a single act of defiance on a bus, showing that small, courageous actions can have a ripple effect. Susan B. Anthony dedicated decades to women’s rights, proving that persistent effort over time can finally change laws and societies. Rachel Carson used science and writing to spark the environmental movement, showing that knowledge can lead to action. Even artists like Duke Ellington and Paul McCartney used music to influence culture, shape opinions, and bring people together. And Frank Church, through politics, showed that institutional change is possible if you have vision and integrity.

One of the most important things I learned from this assignment is that changemakers come in all shapes and sizes, from inventors and scientists to activists, leaders, and artists. What unites them is not fame or wealth, it’s courage, passion, and the willingness to act on their convictions. They saw a problem or a need and decided not to wait for someone else to fix it.

Another big takeaway for me was the idea of perspective. Each team allowed me to “see” history through different eyes. I could understand the challenges of the 1700s leaders who were building new nations, feel the social urgency of the 1800s reformers and inventors, and appreciate the cultural and political shifts of the 1900s activists and artists. It made history feel alive, not just a list of dates and events. I started thinking of history as a story of people, people who were brave enough to imagine something better and work toward it.

Finally, the experience inspired me personally. If changemakers can exist in every century, then there’s no reason I can’t contribute to change in my own way. It doesn’t have to be on a national or global scale; it can be small acts of courage, standing up for what’s right, or using my own skills to make a difference. I realized that every choice I make, every action I take, has the potential to influence the world around me.

This class also taught me the power of storytelling. Public speaking isn’t just about presenting facts, it’s about sharing stories that connect with people’s emotions and experiences. When I spoke about Martin Luther King Jr., I realized that the impact of a changemaker is amplified when their story is told, remembered, and reflected upon. That’s what keeps their legacy alive, and that’s how we continue to be inspired to act.

In conclusion, seeing history through the eyes of changemakers has changed the way I view the past and the future. History is not just a record of events, it’s a collection of lives, choices, and courageous acts. From George Washington to Rachel Carson, from inventors to activists, each changemaker reminds me that change is possible, and it often starts with one person deciding to act.

This assignment showed me that history is alive, lessons are everywhere, and each of us has the potential to be a changemaker in our own way. All it takes is courage, passion, and a willingness to try, even when the path is hard. Seeing history through the eyes of a changemaker isn’t just about learning the past; it’s about imagining the future and realizing that we can shape it, too.