I graduated with a BA in History in 2017. In addition to earning departmental honors, I was a recipient of the Von Rosenstiel Scholarship in European History and was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta (National History Honor Society) in 2016.

What are you up to these days?  

I currently work in a lab at a blood bank making special order blood products for local hospitals. Most people don’t know that when you donate blood it gets divided into separate components (red blood cells, platelets, and plasma). Those components are used to treat specific diseases and medical conditions and often need further modification depending on the specific patient. I started as a lab assistant and worked my way up to becoming an advanced tech. When I’m not at work you can find me reading, writing, camping, or playing trivia. 

What brought you to history at UC?  

I started as an exploratory studies major and took several breaks from school during my time at UC. I had no idea what I wanted to do or what I could do, and I felt terrible for a long time. I worried I would never finish school because I was miserable with most of the other classes I took. After taking a break from classes for a year, I went back to UC and decided to major in history because it was the only subject, I consistently enjoyed learning about. It was the best decision I ever made. I gained so much confidence and had amazing support from my professors. I don’t think I would have finished college if I didn’t major in history. 

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

I focused on European history. My 3 favorite classes were Rulers, Rebels, and Rights with Dr. Longfield Karr, The Crusades with Dr. Robert Haug, and The Reformation with Dr. Sigrun Haude. I really enjoyed these classes and felt proud of the papers I wrote for these classes.  

What did you focus on in your capstone and why?  

The myths behind opium and opium dens in Victorian London. Opium dens were actually really important cultural centers for Asian sailors who docked in London. 

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

I became a much better writer because of my history classes. I currently write and edit SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) in my job and the writing skills I picked up during my time as a History major help a lot. 

Have any advice for current students?  

Stick with it! A history degree has a lot of value, and I’ve never regretted my choice to major in history. I met amazing people, had the ability to write great papers, and had the freedom to explore topics that interested me. I will always be grateful for my time as a history major at UC.