How did you decide on the History major?
I’ve always loved history. My father was in the Navy and we were stationed in Rota, Spain. I was introduced to Spanish history and culture in school, but then it was reinforced when we would visit Roman ruins and cathedrals that were hundreds of years old. Spanish history is incredibly rich and visible. I remember one trip was to a cathedral that claimed to be the final resting place for Christopher Columbus, alongside other Spanish monarchy. There was so much preserved culture and history in everyday life that it was hard not to fall in love with and appreciate everything around you.
I debated on majoring in something different, but my heart told me to focus my education in history. I had enough life experience by that time to know my end goal is to work in a field that makes me happy. There is good money in any field of work we choose to pursue, but do you want to do something that makes you miserable or happy for the next fifty years of your life? I chose to major in history because I love learning about the past and I want to dedicate my life to pursuing what makes me happy.
Are you minoring or double majoring in anything else? If so, how do the two work together – or separately?
I’m minoring in American government. When I first came to Mason I wanted to become a teacher. A big chunk of the endorsement requires studying American government. I decided to minor in it to satisfy my endorsements and complete a minor at the same time.
What I like about minoring in American government is that it is deeply rooted in American history. Every government class that I have taken first starts out as a history lesson. I think that nurtures the idea that it is important to understand our past in order to understand who we are today. To understand Supreme Court ruling and amendments to the Constitution, we first need to understand how they came to be. I feel that these subjects complement and reinforce each other.
What have you learned in a history class that really surprised you/changed your perspective?
This is a hard question to answer. Each class that I have taken has introduced me to new perspectives and caused me to be critical about what I have learned. I think the most surprising thing that I have learned was the relationship between America and England during the colonial period. It’s different from what I have been taught all my life, however it is enlightening to understand that dynamic and how it shaped what America is today.
Tell us about your dream occupation…
My dream job would require me to be up moving around, working with my hands, and talking to people. I don’t mind working at a desk or station and I enjoy working by myself, but I feel like I get more out of what I’m doing if I am moving and talking. That is another reason why I want to go into teaching. However, since I started at Mason, I have been made aware of many other career options. I’m open to do anything, as long as it has to do with history.
Have you had any internships? Or interesting jobs or volunteer experiences? Tell us about it/them.
Yes, I interned at the Fairfax County Historical Courthouse in Spring 2017. I wanted to learn practical skills and get work experience in the field of preservation and civil service. I love learning from hands-on experiences and talking to people who have found a career pertaining to history. I worked with several successful women who had the same passion for history as I do. They gave me a model to aspire to and reinforced my decision to major in history.
Any accomplishments you’re proud of? Opportunities you’ve taken advantage of? Brag a little!
Yes! My major accomplishment was starting the Student Historian Society. It’s the history club here at Mason. I wanted a way to get in touch with other history lovers. The club is a medium for us to talk about history, meet professionals in the field, go to museums and historical sites, and be more involved on campus. I’ve learned a lot of skills along the way and stretched myself past my comfort zone. The support and encouragement from the History/Art History department has made it possible for the Student Historian Society and myself to thrive.
I’ve also joined Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society, received a scholarship from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and received a financial aid grant from the state of Virginia based on my grades.
Tell us something that people would be surprised to know about you?
I used to be a REALLY bad student. I failed at my first two attempts at college. I had zero motivation to earn my education and dropped out of UVA at Wise my first semester. I came home and took classes at NVCC, but would always drop out half way through. I spent a few years working a desk job, then worked in early childhood development. A co-worker of mine completed her degree and earned a promotion and a raise. It was at that point that I knew I needed to get my degree as well. I’ve been an A/B student ever since.