History Major
Class of 2021
Hometown: Woodstock, Ill.

Why did you choose Truman?

I chose Truman because I received a very warm welcome when I visited, and I felt like I belonged here. Everyone I spoke to sincerely cared about helping me, and I had great experiences visiting with history faculty and sitting in on a class. In addition to the high-quality education and affordable price, my visit made my decision a no-brainer. I also like Truman’s size (not too big or too small), and the distance from home, about 6 hours, was perfect for me.

Why did you choose your major?

I have always loved history, but I wasn’t sure about majoring in it until senior year of high school, when I had an influential teacher in AP US History. I enjoy pondering big questions about humanity, and the History major is an intellectually curious community of people who also enjoy those questions.

The things I like about my academic department are….

I love that the history major is intellectually rigorous and that the faculty challenge each student to do their very best. Faculty ensure that each student is learning and growing as much as possible, because they genuinely care about each student’s success. In general, the history major is very community oriented, where students and faculty all know each other and support each other. Taken together, the rigor and the community support make the history major a really satisfying area of study. Another bonus of the history major is that it’s very flexible, allowing students lots of choice within the major and opportunities to add minors (or majors), to study abroad, and to do internships.

What student organizations and clubs have you been involved with?

Historical Society, Phi Alpha Theta (history honors society), National Education Association, TruOutdoors, Club Tennis, Eta Sigma Phi (classics honors society)

Is there anything you’ve been a part of at Truman that you didn’t know about (or explore) until you arrived here?

One thing I picked up at Truman is Latin, which I decided to take on a whim at freshman orientation and have enjoyed ever since. After finishing the intermediate language sequence, I decided to add the Latin minor, and I was inducted into Eta Sigma Phi, the classics honors society. Latin has provided a very enriching learning experience that complements my studies of history perfectly, and I have enjoyed getting to know the excellent Classics faculty, who form another incredible department on campus.

What is your typical day like as a Truman student?

Basically, I usually exercise in the mornings, go to classes in afternoons, and attend club meetings in the evenings, doing schoolwork and my scholarship job during the times in between.
What Truman classes have been your favorites and why?
One of the most impactful classes I have taken was SOAN 260, Social Institutions, which opened my eyes to how so much of life as we know it is structured and woven into the fabric of our society. Another was History and Theory, which revolutionized the way I think about the study of history and the inherent subjectivity of knowledge.
What are your plans after Truman?
I am pursuing a Master of Arts in Education here at Truman, and afterwards I plan on teaching middle/high school social studies in the public schools.
Do you have any advice for new students?
Talk to your professors!!! Visit them in office hours, chat with them after class, anything – just make contact, and let them get to know you. And don’t be afraid to try new things – join a new club, take an interesting class, or even study abroad. You won’t regret it!