Futurism: Make-Up Paper

Allison Brown HP: Futurism 001 Professor Molina Reflective Paper In my opinion, being a historian is much more than just holding a degree or academic designation. It involves a deep passion and dedication for uncovering the truth about the past, interpreting historical events and figures, and communicating this information to others in a clear and meaningful way. At its core, being a historian is about understanding and preserving the stories of humanity, and ensuring that these stories are not forgotten. To be a historian, one must possess a strong sense of curiosity and a passion for uncovering the truth. This requires not only a deep understanding of the past, but also an ability to critically analyze and interpret historical sources. A historian must be able to sift through a variety of sources, including primary documents, secondary literature, and even popular media, to gain a well-rounded understanding of a particular historical event or figure. Of course, being a historian also requires a deep knowledge of the past. This means not only knowing the names and dates of historical events, but also having a comprehensive understanding of the cultural, political, and social context in which these events took place. A historian must be able to place events and figures in their historical context, and understand how they fit into the larger picture of human history. I would consider myself a historian. One of my degree is in history and I am actively working on my Honors Capstone Project which invokes the past of the Stasi in the GDR and how mass surveillance today is impacted by previous, collective German memory. A futurist is a professional who studies and predicts future trends and developments in various fields, including technology, economics, politics, and society. Futurists use a variety of tools and methods to make predictions, including trend analysis, scenario planning, and technology forecasting. They aim to understand how future trends and developments are likely to shape the world in which we live, and to provide insights and recommendations to organizations and individuals on how to prepare for and navigate these changes. Futurists play an important role in shaping the future by helping to identify emerging technologies, social and economic trends, and other drivers of change. They provide a unique perspective on the future by analyzing data and trends, engaging with experts and thought leaders, and considering alternative scenarios. This allows them to identify potential challenges and opportunities, and to offer insights and recommendations to organizations and individuals who are looking to prepare for and thrive in the future. In order to be a successful futurist, one must possess a wide range of skills, including critical thinking, analytical ability, creativity, and excellent communication skills. Futurists must also be able to work well in a team, be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, and have a strong interest in the future and its potential impact on society. Additionally, futurists must be well-informed about current events and developments in the world, and be able to think creatively and critically about the future. I would consider myself a developing futurist. Often the work I do in my other degrees, Political Science and International Relations, encourages one to look beyond the present to predict what could or may happen based on current trends or historical understandings. Often, the work is rooted in understanding the past or present, to one’s best ability, to then apply that to the near or distant future. Claiming, and understanding, to be both a futurist and a historian is incredibly valuable and leads to an individual who is able to foresee future challenges based on a grounded understanding of the past and present. Frankly, in my future career, these skills will be paramount to do important work. I will commit to being a futurist by continuing to do the work of my classes and internships to challenge myself to apply my understandings of the past and the present to make calculated, predictions, or even have a cognizance of what the future may be.