Being a tour leader of downtown Roanoke was an experience I enjoyed. It was an opportunity for me to be a leader, answer questions, and give new information and fun facts to children who were willing to learn about the place we call "home". Being a "passer down" of history caused me to learn in the process of teaching others. Telling of the past allows us to share an understanding of what came before us- the marvels and struggles- and how the town came to be. This experience honestly deepened my appreciation for the still beautiful structures of downtown Roanoke and the stories of their prime. The information can also spark an inspiration as I had one girl in my group tell me "We could bring all this back" (meaning the old companies, stores, etc. on Main Street). Having someone to teach future generations of our past can  honor the people and efforts of the past; it can also give pride to the future generations for knowing the past, passing it along, and analyzing it to improve the future as well as preserve. The most interesting thing I learned while preparing was discovering the still-remaining lobby floor of the Bonner hotel!