World-renowned artist and songwriter Taylor Swift has inspired many fans through her songs and tours, and history teacher Kamryn Harris is no exception. Swift is currently on her sixth world tour and has taken the hearts of fans to create new and innovative ideas. Taylor Swift’s Eras tour has brought about a new and growing economy. Through the tour, people have been posting their ideas, outfits, and tour-based items after going and experiencing the shows. The “Swiftie” history teachers showed this in their creative way.
On the third floor, Kamryn Harris, Laura Doub (whom students still call Mrs. K), Megan Baker, and Meranda Shoemaker were inspired by Taylor Swift over the summer of 2023. Harris and the other teachers put together a Swift-themed history board outside in the hallway based on the singer’s Eras Tour. To compile the bulletin board, they took historical figures and related them to each of Swift’s currently released albums. During the tour, Swift performs songs from each of these “eras.”
The board has ten historical figures: George Washington, Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr., Marilyn Monroe, Andrew Carnegie, Andrew Jackson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Henry David Thoreau, Teddy Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. Doub stated they were considering a new bulletin board or a new banner for the hallway. The idea was for students and teachers to have something interesting and fun to look at.
“I tried to incorporate a lot of world history figures too,” said Doub. “But we also wanted to pick out historical figures that were very relevant to many of our classes, whether we deep dive on them or not.”
But what is it about Swift that has caused so many to admire her? Both students and teachers count themselves as fans of the artist, making her one of the few who has crossover appeal throughout the school. One reason for this is obvious when considering her career so far. Taylor Swift’s albums are an 18-year collection from 2006 to 2024. Many people who enjoy Swift’s music have followed her music changes. Swift has gone from country to pop to indie-folk to pop again.
“I just like her because of her lyrics and how they speak to me; no matter what age I was, they made sense and were relatable to me,” Harris said.
For teachers like Laura Doub, her admiration for the singer goes beyond her music. She notes that “whether it’s through her business tactics, her marketing, or the way that she interacts with her fans, that’s why she’s always keeping us on our feet. Like, all of those things are so inspirational.”
During the 2024 Grammys, Swift won her 14th award. During her speech, she announced her brand new album, The Tortured Poets Department.
“I immediately screamed,” Harris explained. “Then I texted Miss K, Mrs. Shoemaker, and Mrs. Baker, and I was like, ‘Oh my god. A new album!”
One aspect that non-Swift fans enjoy bringing up is how she “took over” the latest football season and uses that as a reason for not liking her as an artist or a normal person.
“I feel like the NFL doesn’t need to focus on Taylor as much as they do. Not everyone cares about Taylor Swift and how she’s at the game,” said Madalyn Ponczka, a ninth-grade student, “All people talk about now is about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce dating. It takes away from the Chiefs games when she’s there.”
Taylor Swift inspires people and creates a safe environment for her fans with her different songs and albums.
“She has made it where it feels okay to be yourself. She also taught me that being kind can get you a long way” said Cheyenne Robinson, a ninth-grade student.
Although different people have different opinions on music and life, Taylor Swift has shined a light on people’s lives. She has helped the lives of her fans change for the better. No matter who says or thinks about Taylor Swift, she inspires those worldwide, including DCHS.
