My Personal Reflection on The Presentations by Sherley Joseph

Change Makers Across Different Centuries

Josefina Di Stabile

In my public speaking class, we recently completed a group presentation project about historical change makers. Each group was assigned a different century and had to present important people who helped shape society during that time. My role in this project was to serve as the manager for all the groups. Because of this, I had the opportunity to listen to every presentation, observe how each team worked together, and reflect on what we learned from the different topics.

This experience allowed me to see how individuals from different periods in history have influenced politics, technology, social movements, and leadership. Even though the centuries were different, many of the figures presented shared a common characteristic: they helped create change that affected many people. Something I also found very interesting was that every group tried to connect their ideas to our own environment at Miami Dade College. They explained how the values and changes created by these historical figures can still be seen today in education, opportunities, and social progress.

First group focused on the 1700s, which was an important time in the formation of the United States. During this century, many political ideas and government structures were developed that still influence the country today. A figure that stood out for me, in this presentation was George Washington. He played a crucial role in leading the country during its early years and helping establish a new government. I saw how this happened at a tv show that, curiously, i am watching right now that is call "Outlander". The group explained how leadership and responsibility were essential during that period because the country was still forming its identity. They also connected these ideas to the importance of leadership and civic responsibility in educational institutions like Miami Dade College, where students are encouraged to become active members of their communities.

Moving forward to the 1800s, a century that experienced many social struggles but also important progress. During this time, people worked to expand rights and improve equality for different groups in society. Harriet Tubman, really highlighted to me.  She became well known for helping enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad and for her bravery in fighting against injustice. The group discussed how her actions showed courage and determination in difficult circumstances. They also connected her story to the idea that education can empower people to create change. At Miami Dade College, students from many different backgrounds have the opportunity to learn, grow, and pursue their goals, which reflects the broader theme of expanding opportunities.

The 1900s discussed a century filled with major political challenges and powerful movements for civil rights. Many leaders during this time worked to address inequality and improve social conditions. One of the most memorable figures discussed in this presentation was Martin Luther King Jr.. His leadership in the civil rights movement helped inspire millions of people to fight for equality and justice through peaceful action. The group explained how his message of fairness and respect for others continues to influence society today. They also connected these ideas to the diverse environment at Miami Dade College, where students from many cultures and backgrounds study together and share their perspectives. In many ways, the values of equality and respect that he promoted are reflected in modern educational communities.

Finally, the 2000s, a more recent period that has been strongly shaped by technology, global communication, and modern leadership. In this presentation, one of the figures highlighted was Malala Yousafzai. She became internationally recognized for her efforts to defend the right of girls to receive an education. Her story shows how young people can raise awareness and bring attention to important issues around the world. The group connected her message about education to the mission of Miami Dade College, which provides opportunities for many students to access higher education and improve their future. This connection helped show how the ideas of global leaders can relate to the experiences of students in our own community.

Being the manager during this project was a very valuable experience for me. Instead of focusing only on preparing one presentation, I had the chance to listen carefully to every group and observe different presentation styles. Each team approached the assignment in their own way, and it was interesting to see the different strategies students used to explain their information. Some groups focused more on storytelling, while others highlighted key facts or historical context.

Watching the presentations also helped me realize how important teamwork is when completing a group assignment. Each team divided their work so that every member could contribute. By sharing responsibilities, the groups were able to cover several ideas and perspectives within the same topic. This collaboration made the presentations more engaging for the audience and helped the speakers support one another during their presentations.

Another important part of this experience was seeing how history connects to the present. Even though the figures presented lived in different centuries, their actions still influence the world we live in today. Whether through leadership, activism, innovation, or courage, these individuals helped shape ideas that continue to affect society.

The connections that the groups made to Miami Dade College helped make the presentations even more meaningful. Instead of only talking about historical events, the speakers explained how the values and achievements of these figures relate to our own lives as students. This made it easier to understand why these change makers are still relevant today.

Overall, I believe that all of the groups did a great job presenting their topics and explaining the importance of their change makers. The presentations were informative, thoughtful, and engaging. Listening to everyone helped me learn more about history, leadership, and social change.

This project reminded me that the actions of individuals can have a lasting impact on the world. Many of the figures discussed during the presentations faced challenges, but they continued working toward their goals and inspired others along the way. Their stories show that change often begins with people who are willing to speak up, take action, and work toward a better future.

In the end, this assignment was not only about learning historical information. It was also about understanding how leadership, courage, and innovation can influence society across different centuries. I am grateful for the effort each group put into their presentations, and I enjoyed having the opportunity to listen, reflect, and learn from everyone’s work.