A meeting with history

吳夢瑤

We all have idols， from Julius Caesar to Steve Jobs； from times of war to the technological world.If I were lucky enough to meet anyone in history，I would without hesitation choose Catherine the Great to witness the wonderful moment of becoming Queen.

In ancient times， the status of women was very low.For example， women couldnt inherit a legacy nor did they have the right to vote.Nevertheless， from the title ‘the Great we already know she was a marvelous success in the womens history.Moreover， she was an amazing leader who led Russia to great power.Today，Russias wide territories are partly a result of Catherines reign.She once said that ‘If I can live to 200 years old， the whole Europe would prostrate at my feet. Theres no denying that she was a war maniac. Indeed， this is the most important aspect which shows her great ambitions and achievements.

From the start， Catherine seemed doomed to control Russia.Even she was supposed to get married and then be used as a tool to continue the House of Romanov. Unfortunately， her husband， Peter Romanov， was an odd man.They had many differences and even didnt love each other.Whats worse， if the situation continued， not only would she lose her status as Queen but Russia would be ruined by such a weak man.Catherine chose to take fate by the throat.Eventually， Catherine launched a coup and a new era came.From then on， her bravery， resourcefulness and ambitions influenced people from generation to generation.Just like the old saying goes ‘Heaven helps those who help themselves.

From my perspective， although some of her unique interests could not be understood by others， as well as her shortcomings， she brought the Enlightenment to Russia and developed capitalism.Everyone dreamt of becoming superheroes when they are young.Its not shameful for one person to have shortcomings， but if we only have commonplace thoughts and ordinary actions， how can those dreams come true？

Each moment in history is fleeing， precious and unique.It helps human beings gain experience and grow up in a proper way. So， if I could meet her，I would carefully observe her every action and expression， trying to believe in myself just as Catherine did.I would ask something meaningful and hope to create another wonderful moment.

By Grace Wuendprint