Garrett Wright

Degree: BA in History

When did you graduate? 2012

What were some of the most rewarding/influential classes in your major?
Graduate-Level Colonial and Rev. America (Castro); History of Science (Ruswick); History of Film in America (Welky); Social Darwinism and Eugenics in the U.S. (Ruswick)

Where did you live? on campus

What groups did you belong to? Phi Alpha Theta, Honors College, some school-wide honor society

Did you participate in any experiences outside the classroom in your major field? History Day, public history internship (AHPP), Phi Alpha Theta events (movie nights, end of semester events, study skills workshops, conferences)

What other experiences did you have that enriched your time as a student at UCA?Conference presentations (PAT national, January 2012; PAT regional, spring 2012), undergraduate research, history honors thesis (advised by Castro), honors college thesis (advised by Donna Bowman), travel grant (summer 2011), many academic opportunities in PAT (study skills workshops, etc.)

What did you plan to do with your degree? Teach or public history

How are you using your degree? Currently in graduate school at UNC, received M.A. in American history (May 2014) and am now working towards PhD (expected 2017)

What disciplinary skills do you use most often in your current job? Research, teaching, writing, etc.

What are your plans? What will your degree allow you to do/accomplish as you move forward? Teach, but I am open to working in public history thanks to my internship while at UCA. My degree will aid me in either, as I had excellent training at UCA

What is the most surprising/unexpected thing you learned about yourself during your time as a BA student at UCA? I enjoy research.

What advice would you give someone who wants to get a BA in history? Get to know professors, utilize independent studies to hone research skills and interests, present at conferences!, and take advantage of the opportunities provided by the department (especially internships and things like History Day, to learn how historians communicate with and impact their communities)