And what defining work of history most influences your way of thinking/writing.
For me it was hearing about Mohammed Boazizi's story and wanting to understand how someone could come to do what he did, and how what happened after him happened. And so far I haven't found a book which has inspired me on a specific school of thought. I'm still getting my bachelors.
I've just completed a Masters Degree. I knew I wanted to be a historian when I realised that the ancient world so heavily influenced our own. I loved the mysteries of history and would use every chance I had to learn more. A childhood hobby turned into an academic career for me. Learning about Hannibal and Rome were probably the biggest influences into my decision to become a historian!