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| Presenting my original program,"In Her Own Words: An Audience with the Queen" to an AP history course at Ashland High School on 9/18/12. Photo by Mike Wurster. |
Some people are called to the ministry of their church; others are born caretakers, destined to become doctors or nurses; and others still possess an innate maternal instinct that makes them wonderful parents. I believe that I am a person who has been called to the "ministry of history". My purpose is to research and educate others about the past. Through BeingBess and History, Inc., I aspire to get as many children as possible excited about history.
When I was younger, I did not fully understand the reason why I was so intensely drawn to the people and events of the past, and more specifically, the 16th century. Once I recognized that my entire day was revolving around historical research, writing, and interpreting, I then understood that this was a force bigger than myself. This was to be my life's work.
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| My inspiration in all things, Queen Elizabeth I, painted from life and attributed to Zuccaro. Picture acquired through Wikimedia Commons. Image public domain. |
The life of a researcher can be a lonely one, and some days it means I know the historical figures on the pages of my books better than my own friends and family; some days it means that I must forsake going out and socializing in favor of meeting a deadline. But all of these sacrifices are worth it to me, since I take my "calling" very seriously. Days away from turning twenty-four, I am more certain than ever of what I believe I was put on this planet to do.
I wish to express my gratitude to the online community of Tudor and Elizabethan bloggers, authors, and enthusiasts who inspire and support me on a daily basis. It is wonderful to know that there are others who share with me the passion for teaching others about history!
Semper Eadem,
Ashlie
