I am a PhD student studying American women's history at Baylor University. My research interests include women's history, the history of youth, American cultural history, the history of higher education, and the Progressive Era. Although still in its early stages, my dissertation aims to use the history of Sororities to illuminate alternative models of American womanhood and feminisms of difference.
Multiple Opportunities
I chose Mount Union because I wanted a school where I could pursue all of my academic and extracurricular interests without being limited to one, siloed course of study. Mount Union exemplifies the liberal arts method. I simply wouldn't be the person, nor the scholar I am today without the lessons I received both in and outside of the classroom. I will forever cherish the people and the place that made me who I am today.
Extracurriculars as Future Preparation
The high degree of involvement in sorority life on campus inspired many of the questions I ask in my research. Plainly: What are sororities? Why were these women's groups founded? And, why do they continue to thrive in the twenty-first century? In addition to my involvement with Alpha Delta Pi sorority, my time as a Raider Guide and as Coffeehouse Chair of Raider Programming Board taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and project management. Meanwhile my studies with the theatre department and participation in Mount Union productions strengthened my public speaking skills and confidence; both of which I've found invaluable in my training for the college-level classroom. Finally, my French studies and summer study abroad session in Lyon helped me develop a critical cultural lens to re-interpret American culture. My French language studies also came in handy recently when I travelled to Paris to present my research at the Sorbonne Nouvelle.
Continued Learning
I get to read, think, and discuss things that interest me every day! As a PhD student I spend my days reading history, developing new questions, and sharing my findings with my colleagues and professors. I've also been lucky enough to take a few research trips to archives across the United States. I look forward to traveling more as I move into the next stage of research for my dissertation. One major goal I would like to accomplish during my career is to have my own book published!