Gabby Coggin

Latin was the first step into Classics. I loved the language, I was surprisingly not too bad at it, and had never taken a foreign language before. But really, I didn’t know Classics was an option as a field of study. I had always enjoyed history, specifically of the Mediterranean region, and when I found Classics, it was everything I wanted.

Definitely my study abroad trips to Greece and Italy. Because of the support of the department and my family, I found new passions and interests during two summer trips. I had never traveled without my family, and had definitely never left the country, so doing both on a trip to Greece opened my eyes to a whole new world. It was a personal accomplishment to be more independent, and discover myself beyond my small hometown. My studies in Italy resulted in my Honors College thesis topic, and were my first step into archaeology, and I later received my master’s degree in Anthropology.  My master’s degree was a mixture of cultural anthropology and archaeology, and my thesis treated the influence of cultural changes and power regimes on religious architecture in Syracuse, Sicily.

The small department allows for deeper discussions, more individualized attention and exciting opportunities. The faculty are passionate, and really enjoy teaching their subjects. I learned so much in class, but also from being around them at events and during office hours. I would do it again everyday if given the choice. The UM Classics faculty helped shape me into the strong, empathetic, reflective scholar that I am today. They encouraged me when I was scared, supported me when I was tired, stood by during a tough thesis defense, and still celebrate with me to this day.

At the base level, my English and grammar were much improved by taking Latin. Ha ha.

Classics taught me to think deeper, to ask questions, and reflect on the similarities in today’s world. Coming from a small town in Mississippi, I was always surrounded by people that thought the same things as me. The Classics department challenged me to think differently, to see things through a different perspective, and it made me the empathetic person I am today. I work with undergraduate students of all ages and phases of life. I have turned my interests and research towards cultural awareness in the workplace for interns, which I attribute to the lessons I learned as a Classics major.

I can see the effects of the Roman culture in today’s politics, the Greek culture in the church I attend, and think about Classics daily. I now attend a Greek Orthodox church where I can practice my Ancient Greek language, and I’m still learning the history of the region.