Get to Know Anna Claire
Why did you choose to attend UM?
As an out-of-state student, I knew I wanted to go to a school that was new to me but was a place I could make my home. After visiting UM, I fell in love with the community and the personal aspect of the education. UM had the big school feel that I wanted, but also had intimate programs and classes. You get the best of both worlds. Even though I've already been here for a year, I feel like I am connected to the campus community.
As an out-of-state student, I knew I wanted to go to a school that was new to me but was a place I could make my home. After visiting UM, I fell in love with the community and the personal aspect of the education. UM had the big school feel that I wanted, but also had intimate programs and classes. You get the best of both worlds. Even though I've already been here for a year, I feel like I am connected to the campus community.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
I am a Southern Studies major, which is the interdisciplinary study of the South. I study the South through political science, history, food, film, literature, music, anthropology, activism, and more. It has broadened and challenged my understanding of the South and its structures. I see things about our campus and even our country differently now. If you enjoy reading and writing, I recommend looking into the program either as a major or a minor. The Southern Studies department is a tight-knit community of really amazing people. It's a unique field of study that I have been fortunate to partake in.
I am a Southern Studies major, which is the interdisciplinary study of the South. I study the South through political science, history, food, film, literature, music, anthropology, activism, and more. It has broadened and challenged my understanding of the South and its structures. I see things about our campus and even our country differently now. If you enjoy reading and writing, I recommend looking into the program either as a major or a minor. The Southern Studies department is a tight-knit community of really amazing people. It's a unique field of study that I have been fortunate to partake in.
Why is your department a special place?
The Center for the Study of Southern Culture is a special place because there is so much going on outside of the classroom. It's so unique that the Center attracts interesting professionals and students. We recently started the Center Circle, which is an organization for students to get more involved in the department. There are also South Talks regularly, where the Center invites guests to come and talk about things related to the South. The Southern Foodways Alliance and Southern Documentary Project are run out of the Center, which adds to the opportunities to enrich your undergraduate education. I love my department because I feel as though I am a part of something bigger than just a degree, but a way of thinking about the South.
The Center for the Study of Southern Culture is a special place because there is so much going on outside of the classroom. It's so unique that the Center attracts interesting professionals and students. We recently started the Center Circle, which is an organization for students to get more involved in the department. There are also South Talks regularly, where the Center invites guests to come and talk about things related to the South. The Southern Foodways Alliance and Southern Documentary Project are run out of the Center, which adds to the opportunities to enrich your undergraduate education. I love my department because I feel as though I am a part of something bigger than just a degree, but a way of thinking about the South.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
Last semester, I had the privilege of having Dr. McKee for my Southern Studies 101 class. She really challenged me to think about history and societal structures differently, which required me to evaluate my own bias. The class introduced me to different topics and areas to explore further, which were all connected in some way to the South. Dr. McKee made me feel connected to the Department and inspired me to take additional classes to explore my interests.
Last semester, I had the privilege of having Dr. McKee for my Southern Studies 101 class. She really challenged me to think about history and societal structures differently, which required me to evaluate my own bias. The class introduced me to different topics and areas to explore further, which were all connected in some way to the South. Dr. McKee made me feel connected to the Department and inspired me to take additional classes to explore my interests.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I plan on attending law school. I am not sure where exactly, but I am considering agricultural law.
After graduation, I plan on attending law school. I am not sure where exactly, but I am considering agricultural law.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
I would tell my past self to be open to all experiences. It is really overwhelming at first, trying to get involved in everything, but I wish I would've picked two or three things I was really interested in and focused all my energy on those organizations. College is all about finding out what you are passionate about and finding a job to fit that, so I wish I had realized that sooner.
I would tell my past self to be open to all experiences. It is really overwhelming at first, trying to get involved in everything, but I wish I would've picked two or three things I was really interested in and focused all my energy on those organizations. College is all about finding out what you are passionate about and finding a job to fit that, so I wish I had realized that sooner.
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