It depends on the state laws. Many states let you ask to have a charge "erased" if the charge was dismissed. "Erased" means the state will not list that charge when asked and you can legitimately say "NO" if asked whether you have ever been charged.It's not automatic-- you have to request it through the court.
The fact it was dismissed does not remove it from your record. Dismissed is the judgement, not a removal. This is going to be on your employment background checks - showing as a criminal charge, until you have your record expunged.
You still had a criminal case.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.