I added some easy points to the my students’ final exam by asking them questions like who would you go back in time to meet and what surprised you the most?  I’m going to share some of their answers.  I wish I would have copied all of them, but I didn’t think about it until I was almost through grading.  Sometimes I wonder why I don’t write as much, or read, or play the keyboard, and now I realize it is because I am always working on teaching stuff.

So….

Who do they want to meet?

If I could go back in time and meet anyone I would meet Alice Paul. I would meet her because she was such a determined, confident, and strong woman who made a huge impact on history. She is an inspiration because she never gave up on her goal and she never listened to what people said about her.

I would meet Lyndon B. Johnson. He seemed like an interesting and funny character from what I heard. How he treated the Kennedy administration so awkwardly is kind of interesting and I would’ve loved to see that.

If I could go back in time and meet anyone that we talked about I would want to meet Rosa Parks because I would want to interview her about the civil rights movement, specifically the bus incident. Throughout my academic career, I always thought that she solely took the initiative to sit in the front of the bus. So after finding out that this was part of a plan, I would want to ask her more about how she felt about being the “bait” to the plan.

I would go back in time to meet each and every single assassin who assassinated America’s righteous leaders. First, I would ask them why. Then perhaps talk some sense into them and if they won’t cooperate. I would blast them with my morph gun and turn their cowardly hides into chickens!!!

If I could go back in time and meet anyone we talked about (excluding the obvious answer of meeting Hitler to then shoot him in the face), I would want to meet President Roosevelt.

I’d definitely meet Malcom X. The man was smart, but also a bit crazy, so I’d love to just sit and try to understand him better. It would be so amazing to try and make sense of everything that happened to him from the beginning of his life to the very end.

I would probably meet Eisenhower. I just wondered why so many people like him. I also would like to see what type of a person he was.

I would love to meet hippies!!! I love how they had a voice and protested the government. I know we didn’t really talk about them but I really like how they didn’t care to say what they felt and the best part was that they were peaceful. If I would go back I would love to be part of Woodstock.

I would want to meet Joseph McCarthy. Not because I liked the guy, but honestly hearing about all the stupid stuff he did, I’d really want to have an argument with him. I usually do not prefer conflict but in a theoretical case like this, I think it would be fun, entertaining, and interesting to get into a somewhat logical argument with McCarthy. Well, it would be logical on my side.

I would definitely go back and meet Malcolm X, just because he seems like a really cool guy and I would like to discuss his ideas on civil rights. Another person I think would be awesome to talk to would be Richard Nixon so I could kick him in the balls.

I would want to meet David Stephenson, the founder of the KKK. I would then attempt to do whatever I could to prevent him from starting the KKK. He really needed to chill out. Although racisms would have been rampant with or without the clan, the KKK was still very detrimental to our society.

I would go back and meet Martin Luther King Jr.    (that is purple because it was plagiarized says safeassign.  That just means a lot of them wrote this.)  He was a very devout Christian and I respect him that. I would want to go back and ask him what are his thoughts on same sex marriage as well as embryonic stem cell research.

My dad’s great grandma who was in the Salem witch trials, she was blamed for being a witch and was burned on a tree. I would find her and be like, ‘you girl you is about to be accused of being a witch, so you best scat and get outtalk here before shit goes down yak hear.’ But someone we went over, I would meet Hitler, and hire someone to kill him.

Andrew Jackson was a badass, so I’d probably choose him. While he was probably insane, that is some of his allure. I would like to hear him go on about his unconventional ideals, and then challenge him to a duel.

I would have loved to meet LBJ, since he was from Texas and he made so many differences in America. Every time I watch PBS with my little cousin, I think about LBJ’s efforts care for children. I also always drive on 635 LBJ which makes him pop into my mind.

What are their other thoughts about the class?

The most important data that I learned is to never stop learning. You have taught me that things need to be looked into more depth that what is just given on the surface. I loved how you made us question the situations that were going on, and it was not just a history class. I learned where I stood on the lines of an American citizen, and I will make sure to exercise every one of them as soon as I turn eighteen.

Professor Jett, you were an incredible teacher. From the class I learned that it is important to make decisions for yourself, and to think critically, logically, and fairly. It is very easy to be on the wrong side of history because you were too scared to stand up for what you knew was right. From you I learned to do something I have a passion for. Your love of history shines through, and it is obvious to all in class that you really have such a passion for what you do. You made year fun, informative, and interesting. You were able to mix the seriousness of nuclear war with lighthearted cultural phenomenon, and still get the gravity of the importance of humanity across without emotionally scarring anyone.

What surprised me most in class was that I actually understood most of what you were talking about when I decided to pay attention. History is my worst subject but being in your class really seemed to help me out. Thank you.

I learned a lot in this class and even though most of the history United States was shocking the one thing that really surprised me is that for once I actually liked History. I never like History class, I go to go and maybe get an A but I have never been interested to the point of trying to ask so many questions and really getting to learn about them. After we learned about the KKK I went to the library to rent a book about the whole organization because it really caught my interest. The way you taught this class really helped me be interested in our American History. Thank you.

The most important lesson I think you have installed in the class has to be the moral values. The questions that asked will you use medical research from the holocaust, or why did it seem like a good idea to bomb Japan. It wasn’t just learning history it was about really understanding it and breaking it down. To recognize the ridiculousness of some choices and to realize if we ever have to be faced with such situations we should make better decisions.

Always, ALWAYS think for yourself. Don’t just accept whatever is being handed to you by government propoganda.  Because so many huge disasters and wars could have been avoided if the American people had stopped to think. Lives and careers would have been saved, wars would have never occurred, and so many things would be different if people would have used their brains instead of following the leader. This was by FAR my favorite class all semester. You made history funny, entertaining, and interesting. I learned things I didn’t know before and saw things I did from a different perspective. Thanks for all your hard work. God bless.

I will remember to always stick up for what I believe in. I learned this through the many discussions we had in class. It is important to determine your own personal moral values and stick to them when times get tough. I think that our discussions questioning if what America did was too far, permissible, or even necessary taught me that.

I think that the most important lesson I will take away from this class is to never underestimate someone. Hitler, for example, was a vegetarian and a war hero; whereas Winston Churchill was kicked out of office twice and drank a lot of whiskey. On paper, one is clearly the better candidate, but then you look at their lives and what they accomplished when put in positions of power and it’s obvious that Churchill was the better man. This was not something that we talked about specifically in class, but I was inspired to continue researching influential people during WWII from our class discussions.

What surprised me the most coming out of this class is how much of the information I remember. Usually, I forget the majority of the information I learn in my history classes. I think watching the videos after talking about the lessons helped me remember what we learned easier. I enjoyed watching the videos and they definitely helped me remember most of the information for tests.

Something I learned in this class that I will always remember is the way people were treated throughout history. For example, when people were put through harsh tests and treatments just because of the ignorance of the scientists. I found this extremely cruel and unjust. I will always remember those images presented in the video and how miserable those people looked.

Well in order to get your voice heard you have to do something about it. You can just sit back and relax and watch a problem fix it. So when I see something wrong I want to try and fix it so it won’t happen again.

That annoying kid with the glasses, it surprised me that he had some of the same wolf shirts as me. They look cooler on me, and the fact that you could be such an ass to such a BA teacher!

I really enjoyed this class, I love Ms Jett’s teaching style and I really learned a lot. You know I learned a lot…do I really have to answer this? You’re class was awesome so that’s my answer.

I was surprised that American soldiers didn’t know about concentration camps. I did not know that before this semester. The other thing that surprised me was how well I was able to pay attention in your class and remember all the information. Usually I fall asleep in all my history classes because of how boring they are but you were able to make this class fun with your humors jokes and enthusiasm about history.

The most important information that I learned in this class that I will remember when I leave is that people will lose their humanity to be remembered. Those crazy scientists from WWII did anything to people just so they could make breakthroughs in the medical field and be remembered. That and many other things will probably stick with me as I move forward.

How I actually learned a lot. The class was very helpful and the lectures were very easy to understand. Last semester History was a bit “boring” but honestly, this semester, I was surprised at how I was actually interested in the lectures. Thank you Professor Jett!

I learned to listen. ..to appreciate history. To hear the stories of the past that got us to where we are today. That you really can make “history.” I wish I could have lived in the time of the 1920s and 50s. Back then, it seemed like everyone was on a mission and had a goal to change something for the better. Like there was a point of living. Everyone was involved. But now, it is definitely not like that. Or maybe it is and I don’t see it? It’s just that back then the youth were actually involved with the government and “making the world a better place.” I hate that I don’t see any more of that nowadays. But YOLO right?  PS: Do you teach government? I would love to take another class with you. Have a great summer PROFESSOR JETT!

The one thing that surprised me most in class was that the lectures were so intriguing; I got a new perspective of history from being in Professor Jett’s class. I was really surprised to find out how much women were mistreated during the period when they fought in the suffrage movement.

The most important lesson I learned in this class is to be curious, and not only to be curious but to fulfill my curiosity by going out and doing research on topics that may confuse or interest me because curiosity leads to answers and even life changing events. I believe the most important information I have learned is about how women’s roles have changed significantly over time. I am thankful for all the hardships women faced in the past and I believe, as a woman, I should stand proud for who I am.

I think a really cool lesson I learned from this class was go out into the world and make informed decisions, and always question everything! No being sheep for me please. And I’ll remember this because I feel like what is the point of wasting life following others, the real fun comes from not knowing and doing your own thing.

The teaching style! I loved this class because I actually thought the teaching style was very cool! I love watching videos and learning about stuff that I can relate to. Professor Jett, you made class very interesting with your dancing and funny comments, honestly, you are one of the best teachers I have ever had!

I think the most important idea I have learned in this class is to always be myself. Learning about the past has shown me that when people try to create a perfect everything, it doesn’t always work out very well. People like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and even Elvis were all being themselves, and they managed to impact the world tremendously.

Dear Professor Jett,

I really honestly loved your class! I think you are a great teacher and I learned so much from your lectures. I also really love your outfits and hair! Thanks for a wonderful year and I hope you have a great summer!

The most important lesson I learned from class is to never join the army or trust the government. I’ve never really wanted to join the army, but I always thought they were doing something good for themselves. As I found out in class, the army is treated like lab rats and is thought to be highly exposable.

Learning about the 1950’s era had to be my favorite topic we covered this semester. I found it interesting because I liked learning how people at that time lived and compare it to how we live today. For example, at the time self-identity and being different was looked down upon. I find this ironic because nowadays you are looked down on if you seem to be acting like someone else; you are called a “copy cat” and frowned upon. Whereas, during the 1950’s you had to conform and act like everyone else in order to be socially accepted.

Thank you, Professor Jett, for an awesome semester of history. You’re a great teacher and I am certain you made history a lot more enjoyable to learn with your quirky humor. I already love history and you only made it better. Also when you’re presenting a topic, I enjoy the fact that you’re not biased about that subject which I think is awesome.

I was surprised at how entertaining this class was because all of my past history teachers only talked about history, did not tie it into different present day events, and did not really involve the students much. Although I do not talk much I learn a lot from other classmates talking and not just a teacher lecturing over material. Plain lecturing also gets boring after a while.

The most important information I have obtained from this class is the information about what led the U.S into the wars and depression. I find this very important because the more we pay attention to the current government and economy and keep in mind the history of the U.S and what was successful and not successful we can try to prevent bad things happening to the country and its economy.

That history repeats itself. In almost every class I wanted to bust out “That’s just like what Bush/Obama/ did are doing right now!” because every situation we have at home and abroad has been dealt with before in our history, yet out present leaders act in complete ignorance to the lessons of history. If ever I become involved in politics I will consult the great pages of the past to guide me, not the promises of gifts from a lobbyist or foreign diplomat.

What surprised me the most in class was how music affected people during times of desperation. How we retreated to movies and entertainment such as sports to get away from the more serious things that are going along at the time.

The most important lesson I probably learned is the fact that with every actions there is a directly proportional or even worse consequence that was not seen before. Such as the research of eugenics or the scientific advances or the Nazis in Germany.

The topic of eugenics surprised me the most because it raised my awareness of how important it is to be a critical thinker. I couldn’t believe that eugenics existed in America, and that “scientific research” made this unethical movement more acceptable to society.

The most important thing that I learned from this class is to follow your instincts. By learning about the multiple times society just went along with what authorities told them was true, I have learned to raise my awareness of such questionable times and research the topic myself so that I can make my own conclusion.

I was surprised to have such a very cool teacher who took such a serious and possibly boring course and taught it with a balanced dosage of quirkiness and maturity. Woohoo, plus ten for brown nosing. Yeah? No? Enough said.

I honestly do not think that there’s a “most” important lesson for me to learn, because everything that I have learned from the hardships in America’s settlement, the slavery in the 19th century, America’s ups and downs with the reconstruction and the great depression, the vast amount of lessons learned and to be learned from WWII, the conformity and racial oppression of the 1950s, up to America’s embarrassing loss in Vietnam; all were linked to be the outcomes of the of the human psyche. Human behavior had always been a fascinating subject for me, so all of the lessons in class are all important to me. This answer is a bit of a letdown, but the best I can say is that, I’d be damned if one day I forget what I learned from American history.

What surprised me was the overall racism of the south during the period of African Americans seeking integration and equal rights. If shocked me that people had post cards of hanging as a sense of pride and accomplishment to kill blacks. Also how the state and local police did nothing to stop violence towards blacks and had somewhat of an alliance with the KKK, and it had to take the federal government to send troops to protect this non violent protester. Just all of the hate in these peoples heart just made me think of what would cause them to kill people who did nothing to them and how strong the white and black protesters were not to fight back to show people they were the civil people who deserve to be treated like everyone else.

One of the main things I took from this class is that there is always more to stories then you think and you must sometimes dig to find out all the facts about many things. Also that the public is only given things they want to hear or what the government feels they can handle. But the most important is not to listen to everything the government tells you, think as an individual. Things like us going against communist nation and the government giving us standards on how to live just made me ponder on the idea of them becoming to strong and made me appreciate those who stood up and rebelled to show themselves as individual people.

What surprised me the most in this class was honestly how well I performed in the class. I usually make good grades, but I have always struggled with History. I do not really know why, but it is not my strongest class to say the least. I really do think it was your teaching skills as well as your well-organized power points that really helped do well in this class.

I think the most important thing that I will remember is how some of the medical information that we use today was gained. I did not know that the Nazis had performed those horrible experiments on the Jews that have led to medical breakthroughs. I plan to become a dermatologist, so I find this to be important to me.

What surprised me the most about the class was how you, Professor Jett, were able to keep most of the class involved. History is very interesting to me so it is very easy to keep my attention in it. But I know for some people, they do not have any interest at all about history, but it seemed to me as if you were able to keep most of the class involved.

The most important lesson I learned was about Vietnam and how the government sometimes forgot the soldiers. I guess I do not understand how the government could place their soldiers in such danger.

I think the idea that I will forever remember from your class was that we should think for ourselves and make our own decisions. You were an amazing teacher and knew your history well, but what made you an excellent and exemplary teacher was the fact that you applied and tied history to our reality today. You asked us questions that were thought provoking and that made us draw our own lines between right and wrong and formulate our own opinions and decisions. There’s the saying that “those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it,” but I think that learning history is not enough. If you really do not want to repeat history we have to learn it and apply it, something you forced us to do. I loved your class for both semesters and I really and truly learned A LOT! But, one thing that I will keep with me from this class was understanding history, not just learning it but applying it and figuring out my own “view” of it. I think that I will never look at history the same way. And I definitely know that my intellectual, philosophical, critical thinking skills have improved thanks to your superb teaching and intriguing, not “easy, textbook answer” questions. Thank you so much for another grand semester!

The most important lesson I learned from class is to never join the army or trust the government. I’ve never really wanted to join the army, but I always thought they were doing something good for themselves. As I found out in class, the army is treated like lab rats and is thought to be highly exposable.

I was surprised that America was so selfish. When we learned about how we kicked the people off of the bikini island and we didn’t take care of them. We gave them a couple weeks’ worth of supplies and then left them alone. Then we went and contaminated the fish and let Americans eat them saying that it wouldn’t hurt them. All of this so we could test out a bomb.

How much more simple taking notes was, because you put all your power points online. I am ADD/ADHD so taking a lot of notes is hard. I appreciate it when there are only a few things I have to take note of

The role each of the presidents had on society, because they are our leaders and knowing how each one functioned and the similarities would be interesting. If you looked at how each one acted and how they did and compared them, you could have interesting results.

Professor Jett, you were an incredible teacher. From the class I learned that it is important to make decisions for yourself, and to think critically, logically, and fairly. It is very easy to be on the wrong side of history because you were too scared to stand up for what you knew was right. From you I learned to do something I have a passion for. Your love of history shines through, and it is obvious to all in class that you really have such a passion for what you do. You made year fun, informative, and interesting. You were able to mix the seriousness of nuclear war with lighthearted cultural phenomenon, and still get the gravity of the importance of humanity across without emotionally scarring anyone.

What surprised me the most in class was how music affected people during times of desperation. How we retreated to movies and entertainment such as sports to get away from the more serious things that are going along at the time.

 

Thanks students!  Some of that stuff I was trying to sneak into your brains when you weren’t looking but you really surprised me with some of the insightful/nice things you said.  If I could legally hug you all, I would.  <3 Professor Jett

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