I am originally from Rocky River, Ohio. I graduated from UC in December 2023 with a BA in History and a minor in Classical Civilizations. As a History Major, I won a Badanes Fellowship in International History while spending a semester abroad in Cork, Ireland, an Emma Louis Parry Prize for Oustanding History student, and a Werner and Anne Von Rosensteil Scholarship in European History (2022).

What are you up to these days? 

After graduating, I am taking a few months off from school to work, but starting in the fall I will be attending grad school to earn a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. From there, I hope to become an academic librarian. 

What brought you to history at UC? 

I had some really amazing history teachers in high school who initially sparked my interest in the subject and helped me realize that studying history doesn’t just mean memorizing names and dates.  I’ve always loved reading and writing, so once I had teachers that allowed me to apply those skills to history, it felt like something clicked. I also knew I wanted to work in a museum or library after college, and a history degree would fit very well with that.

What did you focus on as a history student at UC?

Although I didn’t have a declared concentration, I am most interested in women’s history, so I tried to select courses and research topics that either focused on women’s history or explored themes relating to gender.

Did you have any favorite history courses? Which ones and why? 

I had so many history courses I enjoyed at UC. Still, I think my favorites were Uncomfortable Truths with Dr. Holly McGee and Pirates, Brigands, and Tyrants with Dr. Susan Longfield Karr. Both of these courses really challenged me to think critically about history (and how that history informs our present) and gave me the opportunity to read sources that have stuck with me after I finished the class. I also really enjoyed my capstone course because I loved being able to develop and write my own research project.

What did you focus on in your capstone and why?

For my capstone paper, I researched the 1921 women’s football ban in England and analyzed how it can be seen as a reflection of the broader cultural and political tensions about gender during the early interwar period. I am a huge football (AKA soccer!) fan, so I already knew a lot about the history of women’s football. While there is some great research out there that has helped to uncover the origins of women’s football teams and the stories of the women who played, I noticed that there was not as much written about the ban itself. Given the tumultuous cultural climate in England at the time– the end of the First World War, labor disputes, an women’s suffrage– I thought it would be interesting to place the women’s football ban in the context of these other events.

What skills did you pick up from studying history that have served you well beyond your courses? 

I think the most important skill I’ve developed from studying history is the ability to think critically about the world around me. This ability to look at the full picture, consider different perspectives, and not be afraid to ask questions to develop an informed opinion or argument is so important for any career and everyday life. For me, learning how to utilize databases and library resources will also be beneficial as I plan to pursue a career in librarianship.

Have any advice for current students?

The courses you take as a history student are obviously important to your degree, but make sure to take advantage of opportunities outside of the classroom as well, such as internships, research positions, and study abroad!