Degree: Bachelors of Science in Education & Master of Arts in History (both from UCA)
When did you graduate? BSE, 2012 & MA, 2016
What were some of the most rewarding/influential classes in your major? Historiography and Methods, American Colonial History, and Work, Wealth, and Power were classes that completely changed my perspective in what history is and can be. Dr. Lucas really challenged us in both her courses, “Historiography” and “American Colonial and Revolutionary History,” to focus on the author’s argument and how it interacted with contemporary narratives. Dr. Rosenow’s “Work, Wealth, and Power,” completely changed my perception on how history should be presented to students in my own classes by showing me an alternate perspective. Many, if not all, the professors had a huge affect on my teaching style, for the better!
Where did you live? Searcy, Arkansas
What groups did you belong to? Phi Alpha Theta; James Madison Fellowship
What did you plan to do with your degree? I plan to continue to teach.
How are you using your degree? I am currently teaching American History, 1820-1900 with Searcy Schools District. My MA has greatly increased not only my content knowledge, but also has taught me methods for introducing content to my students that makes it more meaningful to them. I have developed professional development for social studies teachers within Searcy Public Schools that I hope will help them enrich their classes and bring a little of what I learned from the graduate program to them.
What disciplinary skills do you use most often in your current job? Most if not all of the skills I learned while at UCA I use in my job. I am currently looking for primary and secondary sources to use in my classes, which requires me to first read and analyze them before I can scaffold them down to my own students. Additionally I require my students to conduct research-driven essays and projects. I feel that I could only effectively require this if my students knew that I had undergone the same process.
What are your plans? What will your degree allow you to do/accomplish as you move forward? I would like to complete a Ph.D or an Ed.D and continue to work towards improving social studies in schools throughout Arkansas.
What is the most surprising/unexpected thing you learned about yourself during your time as a MA student at UCA? One of the most surprising things about my time as an MA student was how much I grew in my ability to read, analyze, and respond to authors. My first class I was completely thrown off guard by what the author was arguing. I just did not get it. But gradually I grew, and began to make connections between arguments and evidence.
What advice would you give someone who wants to get a MA in history? Go for it! It is well worth the amount of work – which is always meaningful. A degree in history, whether a BA, BSE, or MA will change the way you think about everything, and will challenge you, but at the end it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.