Learn the Past, Achieve a Happier Future

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SHANNON LI
News Editor
Some may see history as dull and boring, but AHS’ history club is out to prove them wrong. Deja Vu was founded in 2008-2009 by Brian Wu during his sophomore year.
“I founded Deja Vu so people who have a passion for history could meet and discuss topics that they are fascinated by,” said Wu. “It’s worth it because now I can see the people who are new and all the dedicated members.”
Deja Vu meets in D-309 every Wednesday at 3:30, under adviser Javier Gutierrez.
“This month we’re going to be studying colors and what they stand for. We don’t always decide what we want to do, but in January, it’s going to be mythology. We pick out things that are happening or [are] relevant to the time, or things we want to study, and we try to make it interesting to learn by doing a fun activity,” said President Megan Yu.
For example, on Oct. 16, the club learned about Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The members of the club who knew about the event taught others about the customs and traditions. Later the club held a trivia session and awarded candy skulls, part of the Dia de los Muertos celebrations, as prizes.
“Deja Vu is a very energetic club,” said senior Jenny Tran. “It’s like a big family.”
Deja Vu held their open meeting on Oct. 20. Unfortunately, a gas leak reported in A-building delayed and prevented some members from arriving.
“I want to join Deja Vu because I need help in history, but also because I like learning about World War II as well,” said sophomore Crystal Salas.
In addition, the club hopes to help students prepare for the Advanced Placement World History and Advanced Placement United States History (APUSH) exams in May by holding study sessions and offering tutoring.
“Because I took APUSH last year, I can help this year’s juniors [practice] writing essays and taking tests,” said Tran.
Current APUSH student Phuong Cay feels the same way.
“When it’s time for tests, we can have group study sessions. It will help for the AP exam,” said Cay.
The members feel the club will not just be a pastime.
“People shouldn’t learn history just [to get a grade] for school. We can apply history to the outside world, too,” said junior Jimena Jaramillo. “We want to learn about the past and study the present so we can make a better future.”