McDuffie, Russell Practice Blog Post

My name is Russell McDuffie Jr and I am studying Secondary Education (Social Studies). I have always enjoyed learning about different historical cultures, but I gravitated most to political conflicts as well as wars between nations. This has led my focus to be mostly on that of the Civil War as well as WWI and WWII eras. I plan to teach high school and coach football as well. I grew up just a few miles down the road from the University of South Alabama in the small town of Semmes. I played football and tennis in high school at Mary G. Montgomery. I enjoy many outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Sports are also a major interest of mine. My wife always gets on to me because no matter what sport is on tv I will watch it. Alabama football and Braves baseball are definitely the two I am most invested in. I just recently celebrated my one year anniversary to my beautiful wife, Lindsay. She is my best friend and the best thing that has ever happened to me. We also just added our Golden Retriever named Sadie to the family this past Christmas! 

I began my career at South Alabama not really having a clue what I was going to do in my life. I leaned toward the medical field but after working in a hospital for a few years decided that it was not for me. History has always been a subject that I have enjoyed studying. It is important to understand what has happened in our past so that we may learn and show growth from it in our future. After finally coming to the conclusion that I want to be a teacher, I have found a new excitement with finishing my studies and starting my career. The role of a teacher is an extremely important one because of the lasting influence they can have on their students. I want to be able to be a teacher that students enjoy learning from as well as can look up to for guidance when needed. Not only do I hope to teach in the classroom, but also through sports. I learned first-hand that many of life’s biggest lessons can be learned on the football field.

I thought I would share a Podcast that I have been enjoying for some time. Dan Carlin's Hardcore History is an excellent show that gives great insight into many historical topics. I am currently on his WWI section and cannot stop listening!