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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The History Department challenges students to think critically and form their own ideas about a historical era or topic.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
I recommend you take the classes that interest you and introduce yourself to professors! Exploring a topic you are curious about ensures the course will be worthwhile. Plus, you will be taught by a Professor who shares your historical interests, which is excellent.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
At K, I learned that my ideas are worth sharing. Every class I have taken at K has had a discussion element. When I started here, I quickly learned my success depended on my participation. Once I started speaking in class more, I realized that my thoughts on the discussion were valuable and could contribute interesting ideas.

What has been your favorite class at K?
My favorite classes at K are History Memory and Identity in Modern Europe and United States Recreation and Leisure. Both classes introduced me to different areas of historical study (memory studies and the history of recreation and leisure) that have informed my interest in the subject!

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I have explored other disciplines like Critical Ethnic Studies, Film and Media Studies, and Philosophy that I would not have had the time to explore without the open curriculum. Plus, over our free summers, I have had the opportunity to participate in five different internships.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
In my Junior year, I studied away in Philadelphia, where I interned at a historic site that will be the topic of my SIP. I also traveled to St. Louis to research through the HILL (Humanities Integrated Locational Learning) opportunity at K. Plus, I started the History Club!

What is your SIP?
My SIP explores how a restoration effort in the Center Surveillance Hub building of Eastern State Penitentiary (an abandoned penitentiary turned historic site/museum) would impact visitor interpretation of the site’s history and contemporary issues like mass incarceration.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
After graduating, I plan to work at a local historical society museum, in archives, or as a historic preservationist. These jobs might require a master’s degree, but we will cross that bridge when we get to it.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I started working in archives at a history museum when I was 14!