Stephanie Rocabado - Changemakers

 When I first heard we were doing presentations on changemakers I thought it was just going to be a normal assignment. But after watching both groups I realized it was actually way more interesting than I expected. It made me think about how one person can actually have a huge impact on society even if it doesn’t seem like it at first. 

The first group focused on changemakers from the 20th century and I liked how they showed that real change takes time and effort. They talked about people like Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King Jr), Rosa Parks, and Rachel Carson. What stood out to me the most was how much these people had to go through just to make a difference. For example, Susan B. Anthony literally got arrested for voting which is crazy to think about now because voting is something we see as a basic right. I also liked that this group didn’t just focus on politics. They included people like Paul McCartney and Duke Ellington, which showed that changemakers can come from anywhere. Music might not seem political at first, but it actually has a huge influence on how people think and feel. That made me realize that change doesn’t always happen through laws but that it can happen through culture too. Another part I found really interesting was the presentation on Frank Church and government surveillance. It felt more connected to today’s world, especially with everything involving technology and privacy. It showed that even though these changemakers lived a long time ago their impact still affects us now.

The second group focused on modern changemakers, and honestly this one felt more relatable because it connects directly to our everyday lives. They talked about people like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Anthony Fauci. What really stood out to me was how much technology plays a role in democracy today. We don’t always think about it but things like our phones and social media actually affect how we get information and form opinions. For example, learning about Steve Jobs made me realize how much easier it is now to stay informed because of smartphones. At the same time, the presentation on Mark Zuckerberg showed both the good and bad sides of social media. It helps people connect and stay updated but it can also spread misinformation really quickly. That’s something I think everyone sees today especially during elections or big events. The presentation on Edward Snowden was also really interesting because it made me think about privacy in a different way. It’s kind of scary to realize how much information can be collected without people even knowing. It also showed how one person can start a huge conversation just by exposing something important. I also liked learning about Michelle Obama because she represents a different kind of changemaker. She’s not just making laws, but she’s encouraging people to get involved, stay healthy, and focus on education. It shows that being a leader isn’t just about politics it’s also about inspiring others. The presentation on George W. Bush showed how important leadership is during difficult times. It made me think about how people look to leaders for reassurance and direction especially during national crises.

Overall, I really liked how both groups showed different sides of what it means to be a changemaker. The first group focused more on historical figures who fought for rights and equality while the second group showed how change is still happening today in new ways. It made me realize that democracy isn’t something that stays the same it’s always changing depending on the people and the time period. This project also made me think about how we can be changemakers too. You don’t have to be famous to make a difference. Even small actions, like speaking up, helping your community, or sharing information can have an impact. Seeing all these examples made it feel more realistic that anyone can contribute to change in some way. In the end, these presentations helped me understand that being a changemaker is really about taking action and standing by what you believe in. It’s not always easy and sometimes it takes a long time to see results but it can still make a huge difference.