This book is a collection of nonfiction essays and transcribed interviews. It is the first book in The Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow Project. I realized in my senior year at Berea College in Kentucky that I did not need to wait until I graduated to do what I really wanted to do. I decided that if I could do anything with my time I would ask a variety of people important questions and record their stories. This book, the first of three, is a collection of reflections on the past prompted by my questions. The essays and interviews are uplifting and eye-opening. My hope is that the powerful stories of these students, immigrants, home-schoolers, activists, mothers, fathers, athletes, travelers, ex-convicts, and professors might help us to unite around our common humanity. Their candor and honesty fueled this project and my enthusiasm, and I hope their stories will inspire you.