Opinion

Dear Editor, I am a history teacher at Rolla High School in Rolla, Mis. We take an annual history trip with our top students each year. This year, we traveled to St. Joseph and then down to Richmond and Lexington to visit the historical sites in those locations.

Now that the local election has concluded, the yard signs are beginning to vanish and the lively discussions about candidates and issues have settled down. For some, the results brought celebration; for others, disappointment. However, regardless of winning or losing, there’s something significant to acknowledge: voters showed up. They participated. We cared enough to vote. And that is something we should all take pride in.

In today’s society, where challenges and negativity often overshadow our daily lives, it becomes increasingly important to focus on the moments of joy and the instances that restore our faith in humanity.

Now that I am older and can afford to travel, coordinating plans with a travel companion and agreeing on new places to explore feels more like a chore than a pleasure. Once upon a time, the idea of a woman traveling alone was met with raised eyebrows and concerned whispers. Today, solo female travel is more than just a trend – it’s a movement. Women of all ages bravely pack their bags, book flights and embark on self-discovery, adventure and empowerment journeys.

History isn’t just a highlight reel. It’s not merely a collection of feel-good moments or something to be cherry-picked for convenience. History is the full story – triumphs, tragedies, progress, pain and everything in between. During Black History Month, acknowledging that entire story is more important than ever.

Recently, acts of kindness and love for one another have been so abundant in our county that I wonder if time is ever taken to acknowledge how blessed we are to live and work here. We take care of each other, celebrate successes together, and extend a helping hand in times of need.

Change starts at home Emotions often run high after a presidential election. Some celebrate triumphantly, while others grapple with dread or sorrow, lamenting the new administration and fearing what the next four years might bring.