Fran McConnell
What is your major?
Classics, ancient Greek and Latin track
What is your hometown?
Avon Lake, OH
Why did you choose to study Classics?
Although I’ve always had a love for Classical antiquity, especially from reading the Percy Jackson series and visiting the Cleveland Museum of Art as a kid, I only recently chose to study Classics as my major. I was initially pre-med when I began at OSU, but after taking two Classics courses for GE credits during my first year, I realized just how much I love this field and that I want to pursue a career in it.
What do you like most about the Department of Classics?
My favorite part about this department is the people. I’ve made lifelong friends from these courses and the Classics Club, and I’ve gained mentor figures from the faculty. I appreciate the endless support that I receive from everyone, ranging from professors notifying me of unique academic opportunities, the department offering scholarships for my study abroad trip to Greece, and friends supporting me in and out of the classroom.
What is your favorite class you have taken in the Department of Classics and why?
My favorite classes that I’ve taken in the Department of Classics are Classical Civilization: Greece, Roman Historians, and Latin Lyric. Although they cover a wide range of subjects, what they have in common is the care that each of the professors put into them. It made the courses so much more engaging and enjoyable. Also, I adore learning about ancient literature and material culture.
What advice would you give to other students considering pursuing a major or minor in Classics?
Go for it! What’s great about Classics is how diverse the discipline is, ranging from literature, archaeology, politics, art, religion, economics, and more, so you can delve into whatever catches your interest. As a result, Classics can pair nicely with all majors and minors.