Know Thy Roots: Why Personal History Matters
Harebin Academy is broken down into 9 schools, each representing a fundamental pillar of knowledge and self-mastery. The first of these is Personal History & Genealogy—because knowing who you are begins with knowing where you come from.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by the stories of my grandparents and great-grandparents.
When I watched Roots, I wanted to be like Alex Haley and find my Kunta Kinte.
Years later, I eventually did.
That search led me on a journey that still continues, revealing stories and connections that reach across continents and generations.
Why This Matters
Most of us grow up learning the broad strokes of history—the wars, the movements, the leaders who shaped nations. But personal history? That’s different. That’s the story of how you came to be.
Knowing your family’s past
Shapes your sense of belonging—grounding you in something bigger than yourself.
Helps you identify patterns—the strengths and struggles passed down.
Allows you to be intentional—to continue what serves you and break what doesn’t.
The Power of Story
Your ancestors aren’t just an abstract idea. They were people who made choices, took risks, and survived - and because of them you exist. Their stories live in you, whether or not you know them.
The question is: Do you care to seek them out?
Is there any benefit?
For my children, I want more than just the history of a country or a people—I want them to know their history.
Start Your Journey
I’ll be documenting my discoveries here—sharing stories, research techniques, and resources to help others uncover their own history.
That quest still continues, but it has opened up portals of knowledge—connecting me to dozens of ancestors from around the globe.
My desire for my children isn’t just for them to know the collective history of a country or a people—but their history. The stories of the individuals whose lives intertwined so they could exist.
Now, my goal is to start sharing these discoveries—the stories I’ve uncovered and the resources I’ve used to trace my family tree, some branches reaching back 30+ generations.
📜 Want to start your own search?
I’m putting together a guide on how to begin tracing your family history. If you’d like early access, sign up here.
