I graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a BA in History in 2016. I love getting out in nature and traveling; I’ve made it to 48 states and 36 national parks. I also coach high school wrestling in the winter and have been since 2012.
What are you up to these days?
After working in the solar industry for four years, I’ve pivoted and activated my real estate license as well as working part-time at Roads Rivers and Trails, a nature outfitter in Milford.
What brought you to history at UC?
Initially, I wanted to be a high school social studies teacher. After switching my major a couple of times, I decided to major in history. I wanted to know why things in the world around me were the way they were and operated the way they did. Studying history always gave me the clearest understanding to try and answer my questions. It was a decision I would make all over again if I had the chance. And I’d probably be a much more dedicated student and get even more out of it than I did in the first go-round (lol).
What did you focus on as a history student at UC?
I spent most of my time studying early US history with a focus on African Americans’ fight for equality leading up to the Civil War and beyond to this day. I also took a few classes on rights and mass movements.
Did you have any favorite history courses? Which ones and why?
I have two favorites. One was Dr. Christopher Phillips’s class on Lincoln. Being a Lincoln scholar, Phillips was an amazing resource on a historical figure who I personally find incredibly interesting. The other was a History of Human Rights and Natural Law class taught By Dr Susan Longfield Karr. It introduced me to a historical discourse that I didn’t even know at the time how much I wanted to learn about, additionally Dr. K held very hard standards, but was endlessly supportive to help students understand and succeed in the class if they were willing to do the work. She brought us to a much deeper understanding of history, and it was a great experience.
What did you focus on in your capstone and why?
My capstone, “Laughter in the Face of the Status Quo: How Comedy Fought the Rhetoric of Cold War Culture,” investigated how the Vietnam War draft made space for the rise of comedy as a leading source of political discourse and information we see today. It was nominated for a senior capstone prize. Comedic criticisms of politics really grabbed my attention. My project engaged with the Civil Rights Movement and the Cultural Revolution in the ’60s, two mass movements that I found the most interesting. Dr. K encouraged me to pursue my interests and create a very fun capstone project.
What skills did you pick up from studying history that have served you well beyond your courses?
The most important thing I learned is always to consider the context of whatever idea or situation I engage with.
Have any advice for current students?
Engage with the material as much as possible and go to office hours; these two things will make your experience so much more enriching and rewarding.
