When it comes to history, it may be wise not to mess with Scott Nordlund.

The past is the South Surrey grad's passion, and he'll argue the details – particularly those surrounding the War of 1812 or the Second World War – at the drop of a hat, given the opportunity.

"If anyone tries to question things, I always prove them wrong," he said, recalling a time he won a grade boost on a paper by proving one of his teachers wrong.

It makes sense, then, that Nordlund sees his future firmly rooted in the past. He's headed to Dalhousie University today (Friday) with the goal of becoming a history professor.

His interest in days gone by was tweaked during his childhood, but took root during his Grade 10 social studies class at Semiahmoo Secondary.

And while he's interested in history generally, the War of 1812 is of particular interest, for two reasons: there's a Canadian perspective, and it involved family.

"Apparently, (Herman Hostetter's) uniform is somewhere in someone's house," Nordlund said. "He died at the last battle."

It's gaps like that which intrigue Nordlund, and drive his interest to eventually do field work in Europe.

"I know there's more than people know. They're still finding stuff," he said.

He cited a Canadian war bunker in Belgium, and the discovery of quarry segments from Hitler's regime that weren't noted on a map.

"There's major gaps, especially late in the war," said Nordlund. "They're theorizing there's stuff they didn't want people to find."

Nordlund's own history also has a few moments of note.

Most recently, he received the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, in part for his volunteer efforts. The award is part of a program that also recognizes efforts of youth to develop skills, be active and complete a journey of discovery. Last spring, it was bestowed on Nordlund and other students – including Southridge School's Lindsay Brookes, Elisabeth Piccolo and Albert Postma – by Lt.-Gov. Steven Point.

Nordlund has also completed the gold level of the program, and will receive that award next spring. Qualifying required completing 90 hours of community service, 100 hours of physical activity and completing a community project.

He met almost all of the goals through scouting, as a member of the 21st South Surrey Venturers. Through the group, Nordlund helped rebuild a United Church mess hall that burned down and volunteered at Westminster House.

Other volunteer efforts under his belt include wrapping Christmas presents at Union Gospel Mission and helping out with things like stage set-up and fundraising for Semiahmoo Secondary's band program. He'll continue developing his saxophone talents in Dalhousie's jazz program.

And while being stubborn wasn't in the list of criteria to meet for the award, Nordlund counts the quality as among characteristics that have influenced his path – although not always to his benefit.

Unlike the time it won him a higher grade, refusing to let a hockey referee-in-chief's bad call go unchecked blocked Nordlund's ability to play junior hockey on the East Coast.

"I burnt a bridge," the goalie said.

That's long past, but Nordlund admitted he wouldn't do anything different if faced with the same situation in the future.

Nordlund knows he can't change events that have come and gone, whether they happened centuries ago or mere moments, but he plans to do his part to ensure others learn about, and from, them. It's the only way to ensure mistakes like war aren't repeated.

The rest, you might say, is history.