Getting to Know You: Kyle Royce
Kyle Royce—Secondary History Education Q&A
Where are you from?
Yakima, Washington.
What year are you?
Senior
Why History?
Some of my earliest memories actually revolve around history. I remember sitting on the floor as a young kid listening to my grandpa Frank tell stories about how he survived the attack on Pearl Harbor and the rest of WWII while serving as a sailor in the United States Navy. Hearing those stories from a young age got me incredibly interested in finding out more about the lives of people that had come before me. That’s why I reject the notion that history is just dates and places. I’ve always believed it to be primarily about telling the stories of people’s lives. After growing a little older, I realized how little appreciation there is for other people’s stories and experiences, even though many of those experiences drastically shaped the way that the world is today.
Naturally, when it came to choosing a career, I was motivated to pursue something that would allow me to engage people in the narratives of our past, while also helping to develop and mold those individuals that will be determining our future. In general, you could say that I’m becoming a history teacher because I believe that it is a very important position in society. As I see it, history teachers help people be to be informed about the past, so that they can make better decisions for the future.
What is your favorite thing about Pullman?
My favorite thing about Pullman has to be the community. All the people here are extremely welcoming (particularly the locals) and really support college students who are willing to engage with the community. I always love any opportunity that allows me to meet and talk with the people from this town. I have no doubt that Pullman has some of the best people on the face of the Earth.
What are your plans after graduating?
I plan on staying in Eastern Washington and teaching in one of the smaller towns on this side of the Cascades. I’d love to find an old craftsman home with a good piece of property and remodel it. I haven’t decided on a particular city yet, but I love the climate and people in Eastern Washington.
Favorites
Food: Steak and kidney pie!
Movie: The Grand Budapest Hotel
Book: Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Musician/Band: Zac Brown Band
Song: Raglan Road as performed by Luke Kelly
Sport: Baseball
Quote: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” –Theodore Roosevelt