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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
Getting to explore all kinds of history — not just across geography and time, but also different approaches to history.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Take the classes that interest you, but also try to go a bit out of your comfort zone! You’re likely to find something else that you love — and even if you don’t, most classes are connected somehow. (Also, go to office hours! Talk to your professors!)

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
You don’t have to know exactly what it is you want to do. Focus on what interests you and the rest will find you!

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
Trying things you’re scared of or things you don’t know if you’ll be good at is great for you (and usually isn’t nearly as scary as you think it’d be)!

What has been your favorite class at K?
During my sophomore year, I took “A European History of Laughter,” which was super fun because we got to analyze comedy in historical documents. We also talked about the history of political satire, which is a long-held interest of mine! I also really loved my sophomore seminar on the plague, since I’m really interested in medieval history.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I’m a history major, but I’m also on the journalism track in the English department, so I get to explore both fields at the same time! I’ve also taken a few anthropology/sociology classes and have found that they overlap with classes in other departments (like so much else at K).

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
I’ve led The Index, which is K’s student-run newspaper, since my sophomore year. During my time in the New York Arts Program, I interned with two newspapers based in Brooklyn and the East Village, and I also do freelance reporting for a local publication here in Kalamazoo!

What is your SIP?
It’s in the English department, but it’s a collection of essays and journalistic articles about generative AI and its impact on academia, misinformation, and humanity overall.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I plan on pursuing a career in journalism after K, and I’m also looking into doing my master’s degree in Glasgow, Scotland!

What is a random fun fact about you?
I started writing and performing standup comedy while part of the New York Arts Program!