One of the
definitions for passion is a strong
fondness, enthusiasm or desire for something. In my case that “something” is
genealogy. My passion began as a very small ember in my heart to learn more
about my family. This tiny ember was set ablaze through my attendance at MAAGI (Midwest African American Genealogical Institute) for the past four years. When I first started my genealogical journey, I didn’t
know how or where to begin. I needed to learn how to research and learn the
various resources that were available to me. MAAGI was my teacher. MAAGI helped
me in finding my R.O.O.T.S.
The R in R.O.O.T.S stands
for research. MAAGI has definitely
taught me the strategies and tools to conduct a successful and thorough search
for my ancestors and others. Now that I know the correct way to research, I can
look at a document and begin to question certain facts. In order to find
answers to my questions, I have to DIG DEEPER to find the answers that I am
seeking. DIGGING DEEPER, during research, makes the facts richer and gives
credence to the those family “oral” histories.
The O’s in R.O.O.T.S stand
for opportunities and optimal exposure. MAAGI has given me
many opportunities to meet and network with other genealogists and
professionals in the field. I have gained great knowledge and insight from
listening to the various speakers and interacting with my peers at the
institute. In addition to opportunities, MAAGI have given me optimal exposure
to put what I have learned into practice. For instance, the first year that I
attended MAAGI, I took the Professional Genealogy track. In this track, one of
the class activities was to create, plan, and execute a Blog Talk Radio Show.
My fellow classmates and I created a show called “Why Genealogy”. This
experience of creating and being a part of a live radio show, gave me a better
appreciation of all the work that goes on behind the scenes of programs like
this. It also showed me that genealogy is not just researching, but sharing
your findings and experiences with other through Blog Talk Radio Shows and
other platforms. The opportunities and optimal exposure that I have received at
MAAGI have given me a broader mind concerning the field of genealogy.
The T is R.O.O.T.S stands
for techniques. From the teachings
at MAAGI, I have learned numerous ways of searching for ancestors. One of the
techniques that I use often is to make a timeline for a particular ancestor. Timelines give me a
better picture of the facts I have and the facts that I need to find.
Finally, S in R.O.O.T.S stands for support.
From the instructors to my peers, I definitely get support and help with any
questions or genealogical brick walls. This support has been invaluable.
Attending MAAGI has been an excellent experience that is a treasure, igniting
that small ember, that I began with, into a blazing wildfire.
