Where are you from?
I’m from Livermore, California. It’s a small city in the Bay Area, about an hour from San Francisco. We’re best known for wine and science!
What drew you to history and economics as your fields of interest?
When I first started college, I had chosen history as my major because I knew I found it interesting. But I later decided that it would be my path to pursuing a Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS), since it’s a common bachelor’s degree choice for librarians. I enjoyed some economics topics in high school, so I decided to take Intro to Macroeconomics my first term while at OSU. I was so taken with the language of the economy and how it could describe a whole new way of looking at the world; I added it as my minor almost immediately. I’ve also learned that history and economics go well together, especially for city government and public library careers.
What has been your experience as a student of both the College of Liberal Arts and the Honors College?
Being in liberal arts has always felt right to me; I never considered STEM or anything else. I love reading and writing the most, and I feel like I can satisfy that most in liberal arts classes. I love being a part of the Honors College. So far, the colloquia and honors classes I’ve taken have felt worlds different from all my other classes. I just love the energy and similarity with other students I can find in those classes. Also, the SLUG is by far my favorite place to study in between classes. I lived in the honors dorm in West Hall for my first year, and I loved the peace and quiet.
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?
My honors thesis is still pretty early in the research phase, but I’ve decided on tackling the subject of post-Covid public library usage and public libraries’ relationship with Gen Z. It’s a topic that’s very close to my heart, and I hope the information I collect can be useful going forward in my career.
What have been some of your favorite classes taken?
I took Ancient Jewish History (HST 324) with Dr. Osterloh last spring, and I loved it. It was one of those classes where the professor’s excitement made you feel 10 times more engaged with the material. Over the summer, I took Intro to Fiction Writing (WR 224) to fulfill a BaccCore requirement, and I ended up loving it. I learned a lot and hope to use the skills moving forward in my creative writing. I also really enjoyed The Historian’s Craft (HST 310) with Kara Ritzheimer, which is a history research class required for history majors and minors. That class was the first time I had been around that many people in my major, and the camaraderie and energy in that class was like no other.
What are you hoping to do after you graduate?
After I graduate from OSU, I plan on moving back to California and starting the online MLIS program at San José State University. While working on that degree, I hope to continue working in public libraries and continue creative writing.
How do you feel that your experience in CLA and HC is setting you up for success?
I believe the Honors College has really satisfied my love for academic discussion and provided spaces where I feel like I can truly relate with other students. Since I’m under the School of History, Philosophy, and Religion, I feel a closer connection to those in my major, the professors and staff. I firmly believe that being in a smaller major like history has helped me create more meaningful connections.