Two incredible weeks. A once in a lifetime opportunity. One fantastic trip, three states, three professors, 30 students, four guest professors, countless historic sites, interpreters, guides and the opportunity to learn and learn and learn. 
It is a wonderful time to teach history in Colorado! Ten days after this trip has ended and now a chance to write as I am processing it all. This time has allowed me to think about all that we were so fortunate to take in. What a fantastic journey. To hear the history, to see the places, to read the books, to contemplate the ideas, the issues, the successes and failures of our ever changing story as a country and now to share the ideas and stories with our students, is quite an incredible opportunity. To be able to hear scholars speak in their areas of expertise, to visit with our professors and colleagues during a meal, on-site at a battlefield, on the bus, or even after the day was long over, in a pub, talking, debating, sharing ideas- what a richly layered experience. We can now bring back new ideas, philosophies, outlooks to share with our students and help them widen their views, understanding, knowledge of our history.
The goal for me is to make history for my students, as engaging, exciting, thought provoking, mystifying, frustrating and exhilarating as it truly is! Carol Berkin showed us that in a lively, humorous way. Professor Eng showed us that in a quiet and powerful way. The story of history is such a powerful lesson, a recipe in how to do things right or wrong, and I am excited to share this with my students. Many of the books we read this semester served as mythbusters, but I believe the real story is even richer than the lore. Sins of omission can be even more fascinating than the single memorized storyline we learned for so many years.
The men and women who made this nation were not demi-gods and their humanness makes greatness in our own time achievable, unlike the unreachable pedestal we imagined as the story was crafted. It is better that there was no one Molly Pitcher, just like there was no one Rosie the Riveter. We can all be courageous and strong in our lives too and that makes for more involved citizens.
This trip has brought many new stories to light. I can’t tell if I love being a student of history or a teacher of history more! This trip fulfilled both passions.
Sheila,
I have the same goal for my students as you. I tell my students to sit back & listen to a “story”. To make history fun for them will hook them for life. I love both being the student & the teacher. Being the student makes me a better teacher. It is so nice to meet other history yeachers who get the “Big Picture” of history.
Have a nice summer,
John H
Hey Sheila,
Glad you made it back safely, and I’m happy that you didn’t have to deal with our return flight “adventure.” I like your final post, especially the “sins of omission” portion. Most times what is left out or ignored is the most revealing measure of one’s intentions or agenda, or even their personal character. Just think about how many people sat back and did nothing when the earliest signs of the Holocaust were unfolding. Inaction in defiance of personal conscience is a greater sin than atrocities committed with the most evil intentions.
I enjoyed all of your posts and I appreciated all your efforts in helping me with my blogs. I like your point of view, and admire your passion for history. Your students are very fortunate to have you as a teacher. I hope you enjoy your summer.
Howard Mestas