What was your major?
Dual degree: Anthropology and Ancient History & Classics
When did you graduate?
Spring 2021
What city do you live in?
Columbus, Ohio
Why did you choose to study Classics?
I was very interested in learning about the ancient civilizations of the Mediterranean region and the Ancient History & Classics major allowed me to study the history and the languages of the region at the same time.
What did you like most about the Department of Classics during your time at OSU?
The small class sizes allowed me to get to know my classmates and instructors and created a more comfortable learning environment.
What was your favorite class you took from the Department of Classics and why?
The ancient Greek translation class "Homer," taught by Prof Tom Hawkins. We read the Odyssey and it got me really interested in the Homeric epics, an interest I still have today.
What kind of work or research are you doing now, and how does it relate to your studies in Classics?
I work as a Collections Assistant at the Ohio History Connection and a Research Assistant for the Ohio State Classics and Linguistics Departments' Herodotos Project. I am pursuing a career in archaeological conservation. My historical knowledge and research skills from my studies in Classics have been crucial to my career path.
What advice would you give to students considering pursuing a degree in Classics?
Don't listen to anyone who tells you it is "useless"! There are so many skills you can gain that are applicable to many different fields. If it's what you are passionate about, it's worth it.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I was a 2020 recipient of the David J. Neustadt Scholarship Fund in Greek and Latin and Rebecca Lucile Cornetet Scholarship from the OSU Classics Department. Although my plans to use these for a field school were delayed by the pandemic, these funds allowed me to participate in the Balkan Heritage Field School's Workshop in the Conservation and Documentation of Roman and Late Roman Pottery and Glass at Stobi in the Republic of North Macedonia this past summer. This was an incredible experience and has accelerated my career in archaeological conservation, so thank you and shout-out to the Classics Department!