My Alternative Spring Break Journey: Exploring History

Saturday was our last day in the Outer Banks, and we spent the day exploring the cultural history of the area. We started the day by climbing Currituck Beach Lighthouse, one of the five main lighthouses in the state. It took us 220 stairs to get to the top, and the view from above was breathtaking. Although we felt as though we could be blown away by the wind, the view of the area was unforgettable.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse

We made it to the top of the lighthouse after climbing 220 stairs.

Our second half of the day began by our visit to the Wright Brothers National Museum in Kitty Hawk. Here, we learned about Orville and Wilbur Wright and the birthplace of aviation in the early 1900s. We listened to a speaker explain the history of the Wright Brothers' invention of aviation and explored the meaning behind an iconic moment in history.

It was interesting to hear about the geographic symbolism of Kitty Hawk in relation to the birth of aviation. The first successful power-driven flight in world history took place on a sand dune in Kitty Hawk, NC by the Wright Brothers.

Wilbur and Orville Wright contributed greatly to the birth of aviation.

The iconic photograph to depict this moment in history is one of the most reproduced photos in history. It describes December 17, 1903 as the birth of aviation and the death of impossibility.

This iconic photograph is one of the most reproduced in history. The birthplace of aviation
was the death of impossibility.

Although the Wright Brothers significantly advanced the world of aviation, they also inspired others to believe in the impossible. They brought to light the idea that impossibility is not about failure, but rather, about something that hasn't been done yet. This idea stuck with me throughout the rest of the weekend and even back here at Ithaca College.

I think the idea that the Wright Brothers killed impossibility is one that is important to remember because it motivates us to better ourselves and our daily lives. The legacy of the Wright Brothers highlights the quote that 'nothing is impossible.' Hearing about how the Wright Brothers failed numerous times before they successfully tested a flight reinforced the everyday motto that everyone fails in life. Failure is not an option, but a key to success.

All photos are my own.