A Brief History of Journeys Most Unlikely

Finding Your Story

Abstract

Alison Fletcher, W. Newton & Hazel A. Long Professor of History at Juniata College, speaks to students at the college’s annual Awards Convocation. Fletcher recalls several events and influential people from what she refers to as the unlikely journey of her life. She reflects on the importance of storytelling in history and argues that stories can bring people together and help us to make sense of the world. She also recounts the unlikely journeys taken by several graduates of the History and Art History Department by way of encouraging the graduating seniors in the audience to embrace their own journey and use their own stories as a guide as they prepare for their next steps after college.