I graduated from the University of Cincinnati’s History Program in 2020, winning the Lenore F. McGrane Prize for my capstone Nashoba and Utopia: Frances Wright’s Plan for the Elimination of Slavery. 

What are you up to these days?  

I work as an administrative assistant at the Family Law Division of the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office. Before that, I held various service industry jobs.  

What brought you to history at UC?  

I began as a journalism major, but after taking several introductory history courses I fell in love with the subject and switched my major. The idea of decentering my worldview and exploring the worldview of others held great appeal to me.  

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

I focused on European intellectual history, specifically the history of legal philosophy. This intersected with an interest in the history of gender and race.  

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

Dr. Longfield Karr and Dr. Porter’s “Human Rights in History” course challenged me to think about and question my presumptions of deeply held beliefs while also introducing me to a multitude of thinkers who I would have never read otherwise. It is no understatement to say that the course was lifechanging! Also, any course with Dr. Kwan is worth the price of admission. 

What did you focus on in your capstone and why?  

My capstone focused on the history of Nashoba a pseudo-utopia/pyramid scheme founded by early socialist Fanny Wright with the stated goal of ending slavery by means of slave labor. The contradiction of an anti-slavery “utopia” that counterintuitively practiced slavery fascinated me. 

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

The ability to sift large amounts of information and locate the necessary details helps greatly for legal work. On a personal level being able to view one’s own perspective as historically conditioned helps me interact and empathize with others better. 

Have any advice for current students?  

Focus on the relationships you make through the program just as much as the program itself. The History Program introduced me to some of my closest friends!