How did you decide on the history major?
When I was in the 7th grade, I had a teacher who made learning history interesting, but I forgot about pursuing history in college until my junior year of high school. I had another teacher who made me fall in love with history all over again, and from there I was lost. I switched from wanting to pursue a nursing degree to wanting to pursue a history degree. I knew I chose the right field after landing a job at Mount Vernon and being able to share my passion with others.
Are you minoring or double majoring in anything else? If so, how do the two work together – or separately?
I am currently considering a minor in anthropology. I have also found anthropology to be an interesting subject and was first introduced to it in my ANTH 114 class here at Mason! I think that anthropology and history are two fields that can play off each other. I am also looking at concentrating in public history. I love being able to share my passion for history with others and being able to help them make connections with the past.
What have you learned in a history class that really surprised you/changed your perspective?
All the history courses I have taken at Mason have really surprised me, but I think the one that stands out the most is my Intro to Public History class with Dr. Gabrielle Tayac. I have always been interested in museum work, and this course just makes me appreciate all the hard work that goes into one exhibit. It’s crazy to think about the work that is involved with setting up even a small exhibit.
Tell us about your dream occupation…
After completing my degree, I would like to look into becoming a curator or a museum educator. Both careers would let me merge my love for history and educating others into one. I think it is super important to be able to make meaningful connections for visitors to museums/historic sites.
Have you had any internships? Or interesting jobs or volunteer experience? Tell us about it/them.
I was fortunate enough to land an internship with Sully Historic Site prior to COVID! This internship was at a small historic site, which meant that it was run differently from a larger institute like the Smithsonian. I was able to get my hands into various projects. It was really cool being able to see the artifacts that they had on the property.
Any accomplishments you’re proud of? Opportunities you’ve taken advantage of? Brag a little!
I was able to get a job at Mount Vernon as a historic interpreter in their Historic Trades department after my freshman year of college. Although I had no experience in being an interpreter and had taken only two history courses up to that point, they gave me the chance to grow. This job has helped give me a peek at what it’s like to be a public historian. I help with a few of the programs that are geared towards helping kids K-12, and it’s always interesting having to be able to know how to communicate with the various age groups I will meet in a single day.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.
In 2019, I was able to send myself on an archaeological dig in Romania. I was gone for the whole month of June and stayed with a host family. It was cool being able to find artifacts and being able to study various other artifacts that were on their way to the Museum of Dacian and Roman Civilization. I was also able to go to Bran castle (Dracula’s castle) – it was not what I expected at all!