Photo via the Independent

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou.

I first came across this quote my freshman year of high school. During one of our many orientation meetings, a teacher named Colin Lord, who would later become one of my most inspirational instructors, brought up Maya Angelou’s words. He hoped that her words would touch us in some way and remind us to respect each other as students and as individuals.

Let us consider the validity of these words. Try to remember an argument that occurred in your life. Maybe you were arguing with a family member, a friend, or a colleague. Can you recount every word or every sentence of this conversation? You probably cannot. Now, consider what happened when the argument was over. Were you satisfied with its results? Did you believe you would have to bring this topic up again? How did the resolution make you feel?

Let us now consider what we learn in a humanities-based class such as American History. In a history class such as this one, the professor most likely asked you to memorize the timeline of an event and to consider the historical and cultural significance of said occurrence. We have learned about the American Civil War, and some of us can probably recall its specific timeline in history, but what information regarding this war are you most likely to bring up in another class? If a professor in a class regarding race and/or culture requests that you describe certain criteria of the Civil War, what will you bring up? Will you discuss specific dates or will you bring up a significant meaning?

Memorizing words can only take us so far when we are try-ing to understand them. I cannot remember every spoken word, but each one is attached to a specific context and an emotion. You might not remember that argument you had with your mom or your sibling or your friend, but you will certainly recall your emotional reaction to their words. Speak and listen carefully because your words do have an impact through meaning