I’m a graduating senior in the history program. I started college in 2020 at Miami University, studying to become a social studies teacher, but I switched over to a history major in the spring of 2023. I don’t have many hobbies, but I enjoy woodworking, hiking, and writing.
What brought you to the study of history at UC?
I switched to the history major from secondary social studies education, primarily in response to the student teaching & observation policies of UC’s education. It seemed like it would be a hassle, especially considering I was already (and still am!) a substitute teacher for work. I figured it would be easier to write a paper and graduate than to slog through the rest of the teaching program.
What are you focusing on (so far) in your history major or minor? (I.e, chronological, geographical, or thematic focus, etc).
Through a wacky series of events, I was in two different World War I classes during the autumn 2023 semester. I hadn’t intended to take them both when scheduling in the spring, but I enjoyed the different perspectives each course offered. Accordingly, I chose to continue the WW1 trend with my capstone research and decided upon drugs as a topic out of curiosity.
What skills are you picking up from studying history that are coming in handy beyond your history classes?
Database navigation, database querying, and critical thinking skills have come in handy in other courses.
Have any advice for incoming and prospective history students?
Don’t slack when it comes to research – do the necessary readings and thoroughly learn your content. Genuinely consider your peer and professor’s feedback on your research – don’t just discard it out of stubbornness.
What do you hope to do after college?
No clue!
What’s your favorite part of studying history at UC so far?
UC’s abundance of online courses has allowed me to stay home, save gas, and work during the week.
