BA in History

Desmond Moffitt, 2017

Desmond Moffitt

Congratulations on being selected as 2015 Rangel Scholar! But…what’s a Rangel Scholar?

A Rangel Scholar is an undergrad student selected to participate in the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program, a six-week program at Howard University that aims to provide a deeper appreciation of current issues and trends in international affairs, a greater understanding of careers associated with international affairs, and the knowledge and skills needed to pursue such careers. All of these efforts are toward creating a diverse foreign service through early-on exposure to the career possibilities. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the program is able to provide academic preparation through the attendance of two summer classes at Howard University, which are transferrable back to Mason. Participants also take excursions to various locations in D.C: the Brookings Institute, U.S. Dept. of State, Capitol Hill, Non-Government Organizations, etc. The U.S. Department of State provides for tuition, room and board, transportation, and a $3,200 stipend. This year, 15 out of 501 applicants, or less than 1%, were chosen to participate. 

Any other accomplishments you’re proud of? Opportunities you’ve taken advantage of? Brag a little!

I am an Honors College Sophomore pursuing a History B.A. with a Dance minor. I am originally from Kentucky, but reside in Chesapeake, VA. In 2013, I received the Bill Gates Millennium Scholarship (GMS) and a few months into my college career I co-founded an Honors College service organization called MasonU. I’ve served as the Community Empowerment and Research Coordinator for MasonU since Dec. 2013. I also was selected be a Model of Success for University Career Services. Recently, I have been accepted to study abroad in Berlin, Germany at the Freie Universitat (Free University) in Fall 2015. I plan to stay for two semesters studying Germany History and German Language at the "university for the humanities."

If you had told me seven years ago when I was 13 that this is where I'd be, I would not have believed you. As one of seven children in a single parent, low socio-economic home and after attending over 20 schools throughout the years, it became difficult to see a positive future. But with the help of elementary, middle, and high school educators I became someone who could see the benefits of the U.S. education system and make strides toward making it better. Support of that vision has continued in college at Mason. Advice and letters of recommendation from my advisors and professors are what support my post-graduation vision.

And what are your post-graduation plans?

Partly because it's funded by my scholarship, I want to complete a master’s in educational policy and pursue a career with it thereafter, something that focuses on students in the U.S. educational system who need education as a lifeline. I’m starting locally with MasonU but I believe that I can have impact on both the national and international levels. Who knows, I may even find an opportunity in the foreign service! I pursue a History degree because it provides the tools for my post-graduation plans: analysis, critical thinking, and writing. So, the summed up answer is I don't know what I want to do just yet with my future, but a History degree is a very good place to start.