Francisco Miranda Changemaker Blog

Throughout this project, I had the opportunity to watch presentations focused on changemakers from four different centuries: the 1700s, 1800s, 1900s, and 2000s. Each group approached their presentation differently, but they all shared a common goal of showing how individuals and groups influenced society in their time. Watching these presentations helped me understand how change has evolved across centuries, while also giving me insight into how different groups worked together to present their ideas. At the same time, completing my own group presentation reminded me that working in groups is not my favorite, but sometimes it is necessary to get the job done.

The presentation on the 1700s focused on early changemakers who helped shape foundational ideas for society. This century was centered around the creation of new systems and ways of thinking. The presentation highlighted how people during this time challenged authority and introduced ideas about freedom, structure, and rights. What stood out to me was how these changemakers were not just influencing their own time, but also setting the stage for future generations. Their impact felt long-term and foundational, almost like they were building the blueprint for what society would later become. Even though the presentation was based on events from so long ago, it still felt relevant because many of those same ideas are still important today.

The 1800s presentation showed how change became more complex as society began to grow and expand. Instead of just creating ideas, changemakers during this time were dealing with the consequences of progress. The presentation focused on people who addressed major challenges, including social issues and the effects of rapid development. There was a strong emphasis on reform and improvement, showing how individuals worked to fix problems and create a better system. What I found interesting was how this century felt like a transition period. It built off the ideas of the 1700s but also introduced new challenges that required action. The presentation made it clear that change is not always smooth and often comes with conflict and difficulty.

The 1900s presentation was the most engaging for me because it connected closely to modern culture and included recognizable figures. This group focused on changemakers in music, civil rights, and politics. They discussed artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Elvis Presley, showing how they influenced culture and entertainment across the world. At the same time, they included Martin Luther King Jr. and his role in advancing equality and inspiring social change. Political leaders like Theodore Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower were also part of the presentation, representing leadership and national development. What stood out in this presentation was how visible and widespread change became. Unlike earlier centuries, the impact of these individuals reached a global audience through media and communication. It showed how influence was no longer limited to one area but could spread across the world.

The 2000s presentation focused on modern changemakers and how change happens in today’s fast-paced world. This group highlighted how people today can create impact through technology, communication, and global awareness. The presentation emphasized that changemakers are no longer limited to traditional roles. Instead, everyday people now have the ability to influence others and bring attention to important issues. What made this presentation unique was the speed of change. Ideas can spread instantly, and movements can grow quickly. It made me realize that change today is more accessible, but also more competitive, since so many voices are trying to be heard at once.

After watching all four presentations, I noticed a clear pattern in how change has developed over time. In the 1700s, change was about creating new ideas and systems. In the 1800s, it became about managing growth and solving problems. By the 1900s, change expanded into culture, media, and global influence. In the 2000s, it has become faster and more accessible than ever before. Even though each century was different, they all showed that change depends on people who are willing to take action and make an impact.

At the same time, working with my own group was an important part of this project. To be honest, working in groups is not something I enjoy. I prefer working independently because it allows me to stay organized and complete tasks efficiently without relying on others. In group settings, it can sometimes be difficult to divide the work evenly or make sure everyone is contributing at the same level. There can also be challenges with communication and decision-making, especially when people have different ideas.

However, I knew that this project required teamwork, so I focused on doing my part and making sure the job got done. Our group worked together to divide responsibilities and create a presentation that was clear and organized. Each person contributed their section, and we communicated to make sure everything fit together. Even though it took extra effort to coordinate, it helped us produce a stronger final result.

One thing I learned from this experience is that even if group work is not your preference, it is still an important skill to develop. In many situations, whether in school or in a future career, working with others is unavoidable. Being able to cooperate, communicate, and contribute to a team is necessary for success. This project helped me practice those skills, even if it pushed me outside of my comfort zone.

Presenting in front of the class was the final step, and it was rewarding to see everything come together. Watching the other groups and then presenting ourselves made the experience more complete. It allowed me to learn not only from the content of the presentations but also from the different ways groups worked together and presented their ideas.

In conclusion, this project gave me a better understanding of how changemakers from different centuries have influenced the world. Each presentation showed a different stage of how change has developed over time, from foundational ideas to modern innovation. At the same time, the experience of working in a group reminded me that even though it is not my favorite, it is sometimes necessary. By focusing on getting the job done and contributing to the team, I was able to help create a successful presentation and learn valuable lessons along the way.