Local History Here We Come!

Greg Tuttle

he/him

Assisting Campus Minister

There’s a quiet thrill in uncovering the layers of rural history tucked into places like Ramona, where the landscape itself feels like a living archive. For students at both San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego, stepping beyond their campuses into a town like Ramona offers a chance to slow down and engage with a very different rhythm of history. For a year one of our student leaders has shared that, here, the stories are embedded in old ranches, quiet main streets, and the surrounding hills—echoes of agricultural traditions, Indigenous heritage, and small-town resilience. In these moments, there’s a special kind of joy when one student uncovers a story—a detail from a weathered building or a local account—and shares it with the group, watching curiosity ripple outward as others begin to see the place through new eyes. That act of sharing transforms individual discovery into a collective experience, deepening both understanding and connection.

What makes this experience especially meaningful is how it builds community across campuses through shared exploration and storytelling. When SDSU and UC San Diego students come together—whether through field visits, local archives, or conversations with longtime residents—they become co-discoverers of Ramona’s past. One student might take the lead in a moment, pointing out a historical marker or recounting something they’ve learned, and in doing so, create a spark that draws everyone in. Unlike textbook learning, this engagement is tangible and collaborative: standing on the same land, exchanging insights, and piecing together narratives as a group. In that process, rural history becomes more than a subject—it becomes common ground, where shared voices and small acts of leadership help bridge campuses and foster a genuine sense of belonging.