“Studying History at the University of Vermont is a decision that I would make over and over again if I could go back to college. As an undergraduate and even today, I am faced with questions like “Well what are you going to do with a History degree? Teach? Don’t you think that’s a fruitless major?” These predictable questions actually always re-centered me and strengthened my gratitude for my academic pursuit.

Aside from the most obvious skills, (reading, analysis, writing well) being a student of history teaches you to use historical perspective, an ability sacred to the historian and the key to unlocking the “whys” of the past and perhaps apply those answers to some of society’s problems today.  I would even go further in saying that learning to use historical perspective has taught me to be more open, empathetic, and respectful--character developments I did not anticipate gaining from an academic discipline…
Currently, I am employed as an Event Planner at Georgetown University. The skills attained from studying history at Vermont has helped my communication skills and enabled me to interact and correspond confidently with high-level administrators, notable professors, and noteworthy guests like Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and more recently, James Forman, Jr.

I majored in American History and took great interest in the subject of slavery. In light of Georgetown University’s admission of owning slaves and its recent atonement for doing so, I have joined conversations with Georgetown professors and staff discussing the terrible years leading up to and through the Civil War. My academic training in history at Vermont has helped me to partake when asked to do so with great confidence.
The History Department at UVM has a wealth of learned professors with a unique ability for drawing students into the past as though it happened yesterday. I truly did not take one class that I did not enjoy. From the brilliant Melanie Gustafson, to the English-born Professor Carr (who taught a course called “The American Revolution” ha!) to Professor Field, a wizard in the mastery of the many Louis’ of France, I grew a great deal from them all.

My biggest mentor at UVM was Harvey Amani Whitfield. Exceptional in every way, whether he was providing academic insight or helping me to see life related issues more clearly, Professor Whitfield’s classes were the ones I cherished most.
The History Department at the University of Vermont gave me so much more than a degree. My feet are well grounded and my mind is open, active and able to analyze and deduce problems as they occur. And I am always reminded as each day ends, a new history begins, and man through that moment, lives on.

Thank you Vermont History Department.”