After returning from my first trip to Asia, I realized that one of my husband's greatest dreams can be achieved in China. He could have Kentucky Fried Chicken delivered to him at pretty much any time of day. As I quickly took a picture of the KFC bike delivery guy I realized what a small world we really do live in. For seven years I have been attempting to teach world history to high school students who have never seen the world. US history is easier. Students can pronounce the name George and they can walk on a Civil War battlefield with just a small drive. By making their backyards the classroom they can experience history for themselves and are naturally more connected. The same is not true for World History, especially when trying to describe the Sahara Desert or pronounce Qin ShiHuang. It is up to the teacher to try and make the world small enough for students to create one history for them to experience and find their place within. My goal as an educator is to help my students realize their dreams and passions even if it is a KFC delivery bike on the streets of Shanghai.
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