Where are you from?
I am from Tigard, Oregon.
What drew you to history and philosophy as your fields of study?
During my first term at Oregon State, I had no idea what I wanted to do. The degree options before me felt narrow and constricting. I joined the exploratory studies program in hopes that I would find something that interested me and felt fulfilling. I took my first college-level history course in the winter term of 2020 and knew immediately that a major in history was right for me. I didn’t know what I wanted to do with it, per say, but felt so drawn in that I couldn’t imagine studying anything else. History, after all, is not just the study of the past, but a study of humanity and everything that has shaped it thus far. To understand such context is indispensable, for as history informs us of our past, it also informs us of our present and future. I find the study of philosophy to be equally worthwhile in that it helps us to think critically about the world around us and about ourselves. What is a good life? How should we treat others? What is the nature of “reality?” What do we actually know? It’s easy enough to ask such questions. Philosophy teaches us how to answer them.
What has been your experience as a student of both the College of Liberal Arts and the Honors College?
My experience has been a good one. Both colleges offer a plethora of opportunities for academic growth and fun. Professors are always willing to help or provide guidance.
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 finished my honors thesis and it is published on ScholarsArchive@OSU. The title of my thesis is “Elie Wiesel’s Night: A Biography.” It is inspired by Janet Browne’s Darwin’s Origin of Species: A Biography, which examines the reasons why On the Origin of Species has achieved such notable status in the historical realms of science and culture. In a similar fashion, I examine the process by which Night, a Holocaust memoir by Elie Wiesel, has achieved its canonical status in the genre of Holocaust literature. I compose an argument using, as evidence, analysis of Wiesel’s life, the broad history of Holocaust literature, and the complexities surrounding Night’s publication and reception. More indirectly, though not to any lesser extent, I discuss the implications of language, culture, religion, and memory in the creation and ongoing interpretation of Night.
What have been some of your favorite classes taken?
My favorite classes have been The Holocaust in its History, Political Philosophy, History of Buddhist Philosophy, and Seminar: Theories of Religion. Grounded by compelling material and well-informed, enthusiastic teaching, each of these classes foster in-depth discussion between peers as well as creative thinking in analyzing ideas and concepts. I enjoyed these classes more than any other because as challenging as they felt at times, their academic rigor was equally met with a learning environment that I could look forward to on a daily basis, an environment in which I felt supported, encouraged, and excited to learn.
What are you hoping to do after you graduate?
Everything! Just kidding–sort of. I have been accepted into the University of Oregon’s secondary education M.Ed./licensure program, so my immediate plans are to work toward becoming a teacher. Aside from this, I hope to travel a lot in the next few years–teaching internationally, perhaps, or just at my own whim. I love research and learning in general, so at some point would like to pursue further graduate studies or a Ph.D. in the humanities. If nothing else, in whatever I’m doing and wherever I’ll be, I hope to be reading plenty of books, enjoying good company, and doing cool stuff.
How do you feel that your experience in CLA and HC is setting you up for success?
The College of Liberal Arts has set me up for success by offering a diverse range of humanities courses covering a broad spectrum of material and approach. I am especially grateful for its support and financing of the Nepal Study Abroad program, headed by Dr. Geoff Barstow. I had the opportunity to attend this program in the Fall of 2023 and it has truly changed my life in a way that I think would be difficult to emulate in any other fashion. The Honors College I appreciate for its smaller class sizes, colloquia, and all-together more intimate feel. Both colleges have challenged me to become a better writer and a better researcher, pushing me to see the world and humanity in a more balanced light.