Where are you from?
I am from Beaverton, Oregon.
What drew you to history, international studies, and political science as your fields of study?
Throughout my life I had been obsessed with astronomy, and loved studying space. I wanted to be an astrophysicist, and had committed myself to science. Then 2020 happened. Alongside Covid, it was the first election I was able to vote in, and I was surrounded by the realities of a world more fiercely dominated by politics and history. I realized no amount of studying the stars could escape the feeling that I wanted to be in service to others and my community. That also meant everything I knew about what I wanted to do was lost. I entered OSU intending to be a doctor, majoring in biology. I guess it's what anyone does when they feel lost and want to make a difference in the world. But it felt wrong. I knew how much I loved history, but felt nervous to switch. After only a week of class, I switched my major to history and felt immediately connected to the class material. But I still wanted more of a deeper political understanding, and for that I added political science. Now, three years later, my experience in history, international studies, and political science has been the backbone of my passion for teaching and working with students.
What has been your experience as a student of both the College of Liberal Arts and Honors College?
My experience as a student of both the College of Liberal Arts and Honors College has been deeply connected and integrated. I have taken classes alongside students from both colleges, and feel as though the smaller classroom sizes in both are fundamental to developing closer relationships with peers and professors alike. I frequent the SLUG often and have met quite a lot of my friends as a result. I don’t think being a student in both colleges has ever been a detriment, but rather a positive experience in my ability to navigate resources and opportunities specific to my needs at OSU.
Have you started your honors thesis? If yes, what’s the topic and/or focus of your research? If not, are you considering any ideas so far?
I have started my honors thesis, yes, but am still fluctuating on its specificity and recognize that it is a continuous work in progress. With the help of my chair, Dr. Michael Trevathan, I am focusing on content analysis of political actors and the constructed space of political identity. Ultimately what this means is using textual data, either from spoken or written material by political figures, and creating network and content analysis to determine whether any common sets of constructed themes emerge.
What have been some of your favorite classes taken?
My favorite class has been my history seminar class, which acts as a capstone research class, focused on the Cold War. Taught by Dr. Kara Ritzheimer, I focused on President Carter’s term in office and the administration's relationship with China. Using a similar methodology to my proposed political science and Honors thesis, I analyzed how language between advisors in the administration shaped Carter’s decisions with China and ultimately led to an internal scandal between two advisors. The class was an amazing opportunity to do original research and allowed me the opportunity to become a mini expert in primary and secondary historical material.
What are you hoping to do after you graduate?
After I graduate I will continue pursuing my passion for teaching, languages, and the necessity of international experiences by teaching English abroad. I currently speak, from fluent to intermediate in order, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Mandarin. I intend to learn Arabic and Italian. My goal with my international education is to become a better educator for all my students in the future. Likewise, I intend to be an active member of my community's educational public policy and would like to ensure that public education remains at the forefront of priorities.
How do you feel that your experience in CLA and HC is setting you up for success?
The greatest success I’ve received as a student in CLA and HC is the opportunity to explore. There is no greater gift than the ability to understand yourself better and realize what it is that you love to pour your energy and time into. My studies in history, international studies, and political science have led me all over the world, figuratively and literally, and have led me to my passion of teaching and serving my community. The flexibility and support I’ve received in CLA and HC has meant that those experiences are a contributing factor to my academic and professional success.