I’m originally from Columbus and like to read, hike, and play the fiddle in my free time. I graduated in 2021 with a major in History and a minor in Information Technology. I went on to get a Master’s in Library and Information Science with a certificate in Archival Studies from LSU.
What are you up to these days?
I’m a librarian at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County, and currently, I’m working on creating a digital archive for our historic and rare items. You can explore the site here: https://plymcdigitalarchive.contentdm.oclc.org/
What brought you to history at UC?
I’ve always had a passion for history, and UC gave me the opportunity to explore the field and engage with historical analysis in a way I’d never had before.
What did you focus on as a history student at UC?
Most of my classes focused on US and European history, but I took classes beyond this, such as West African History with Dr. Joseph Takougang and Aztec, Inka, and Mayan history with Dr. Brianna Leavitt-Alcántara, Those classes were remarkable, as I’d never had the opportunity to dive into those topics, and they broadened my view of history and the world.
Did you have any favorite history courses? Which ones and why?
I had quite a few favorite history courses, but to name a few, I really enjoyed learning about WWI with Dr. Norman, Aztec, Incan, and Mayan history with Dr. Leavitt-Alcantara, and I also took a course on witchcraft in early modern England and colonial America with Dr. Gasser.
What did you focus on in your capstone and why?
My capstone focused on Reconstruction after the American Civil War. I found the topic interesting, and while I had learned about the American Civil War quite a bit, I wanted to take the opportunity to dive into the Reconstruction that followed and how the priorities of those in power developed over time.
What skills did you pick up from studying history that have served you well beyond your courses?
Studying history sharpened my analytical skills, which has been helpful in almost every aspect of my life. I learned in my Historical Thoughts and Methods class to interrogate evidence and weigh it against other possibilities to try to find the truth. Further, it taught me to acknowledge the weaknesses of my arguments, which encouraged me to continue researching and developing my ideas.
Have any advice for current students?
Cherish your time studying history! Sometimes, it can feel tedious or overwhelming, but there will come a day when you look back on your time studying history fondly and even wish you could return to studying with the intensity and rigor you do now. Also, keep track of the books that are required for your classes. I can’t count how many times a topic has come up in conversation that I studied at UC, and being able to recommend a book to someone on that topic is an excellent feeling.
