I did not set out to become a teacher. In August, 2007, when I started at Indiana University, I planned on being a foreign correspondent. I majored in journalism with a minor in history. However, I wanted to continue learning and thought law school would be my next step. However, fate intervened, and for the best, I think.

After a car accident during orientation and a very rough first month of classes after, I realized that law school was not what I had really wanted to do with my life. I then had several months to really think about what it was I wanted to do with my life. I had become disenchanted with journalism during my senior year, so I did not really want to take that path. I got a full-time job and, thankfully, my parents let me move back home while I figured things out. As I had after graduation, I knew I wanted to continue learning. I also knew that I was constantly trying to tell anyone I knew interesting facts or anecdotes from history. To lecture them on time periods or events that I loved or had just read about. All of this came together for me: I was meant to be a history teacher.

As a journalist, one is trained to be a storyteller. Being a historian is exactly the same. There are so many amazing, true stories out there waiting to be explored. Events waiting to be seen with new eyes to offer a new perspective. I have already seen students' faces light up when finding a story that really connected with them. The wheels in motion in a students' eyes when they find a connection no one had pointed out yet. These are the experiences I want to have in my career. Going through history is like being in a time machine, and I am thrilled at the prospect of being able to take students on that journey with me.

Thank you for your consideration,

Ashley Freije