National History Day, at the University of Maryland, College Park, is slowly becoming the present, and I can’t help but be excited. I’m not nervous, but I’m thrilled for the chance to experience it once again. When I was in seventh grade, I got the opportunity to go to Nationals and was so exhilarated for the experience. I can’t wait to attend the contest again.
My first National History Day (NHD) was great. It made me realize that NHD isn’t only about winning first place, but it’s about seeing new things and meeting new people. During the opening ceremony of NHD 2023, I traded pins for hours, getting pins from all over the world. After every single day, once I had gotten back from the hotel room, I would look at all the pins I had collected. I had marked off the states or countries I had collected, keeping a log of which ones I had left. I think I was only missing around 5 pins. That was one of my favorite memories.
A very important part of National History Day is the judging. This wasn’t one of my favorite parts, but it helped me be able to complete judgments for future projects and more. While judging, you have to make sure to keep calm and be confident about what you know about your subject. After all, you had studied it for months.
My overall favorite part of the trip was when my dad drove us to Washington, DC. That is when DC became my favorite place. For those who have never been, picture New York City but cleaner. It is the most beautiful place in the whole world. Furthermore, it has inspired me to look for and go to colleges near the area.
In conclusion, National History Day was and will be an experience that I love. It’s more than just a history project competition, it’s a place where you can make friends and see things that change your life. I wish more people could experience it, or something like it. Wishing everyone from Toll Gate luck at NHD and wishing them to make amazing memories!
