Why did you choose to attend UM?
UM has so many different groups that you can be in, and that is what really drew me in to the school. Being part of classics, I've met so many great people who have helped me not just in school, but in my personal life too. It is the same thing for anthropology. UM makes it hard to not be involved, and that's something I love about this school. Every group that I'm a part of has made sure that I'm involved and pushed me to go out of my comfort zone. Part of the reason that I decided to come to UM was a push from a graduate student in cclassics, and she still helps and talks to me.
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?
One thing that I think is important to know about my major is how versatile it is. To start, there are so many different classes that are offered that no matter your interest, there is probably a class on it. Another part that makes my major versatile is that you do not have to go into a classics job after you graduate. Many people that I know in the major or minor are going into law, hospitality, medicine, and many other careers. Classics touches everywhere and can be applied to so many areas of life that it makes pursuing the field worthwhile.
Why is your department a special place?
I think what makes classics and anthropology special departments is the size of the departments. Both are relatively small departments to the point where a lot of the students know each other, no matter what year they are. I think that is a really special thing that not many majors get. I feel close to many people and professors in my majors to the point that I can go to them with questions without feeling scared or intimidated.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
Dr. DiBiasie-Sammons' Topics in Ancient Civilization class is the one that has impacted me the most. That class has pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Through that class, I have learned to be a better team leader and a better public speaker. It has also immersed me more in classics and taught me how to have a deeper, more critical way of thinking when approaching big decisions.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I would like to go and get my master’s and then my doctorate. As for work, I want to go into the archaeology field and work abroad, or possibly work in museum archival work.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
To not put so much pressure on yourself to make friends or get involved. Before coming to UM, I was so concerned that I would have no friends and not be involved in anything. But, after being here, I learned that UM makes it almost impossible to not be involved. There are so many opportunities to get involved, either through your majors or just your casual interests. Also, being in the introduction to classics and anthropology classes is how I met some of my best friends. Just having a casual conversation with someone who shares the same interest as me lessened my fears that I had coming into college.
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