What do you love about your major? 

A Classical Studies major is akin to taking your own hero’s journey through ancient Greece and Rome. Along the way you are guided by a contingent of sophic sages, the dedicated professors supporting your quest for knowledge, as you explore the language, culture, literature, and history of the ancient world. 

Where do you call “home” or your “hometown?” 

I grew up in Harlem, Georgia. 

What do you study/what is your area of interest? And why did you choose this area? 

My current focus is on honor culture in ancient Greece and Rome and examining how it parallels honor culture in the American Southeast. I chose this topic of study because understanding these concepts helps to bridge the cultural gap between ancient and modern societies. Through my study of ancient honor culture, I have been better able to understand the honor culture I grew up in and the impact of that culture on current American society and politics. 

Do you have a faculty mentor? If so, whom? 

I will be working with Professor Sarah Levin-Richardson on my Senior Essay. 

Are you a transfer student? If so, where did you study before? What advice would you give to a new transfer student? 

I transferred to the University of Washington from Everett Community College. As a new transfer student, I highly recommend getting to know your Humanities advisors and going to your professor's office hours as often as possible. Your professors and advisors are valuable sources for information on a variety of topics and they are an important part of your support system at the university. 

Have you studied abroad? If so, where? Tell us a little about this experience. If you have not studied abroad, where would you love to study abroad if you got to choose? 

I will be studying abroad in Rome for Early Fall Start 2023. I am participating in the Classics Rome: The Ancient Roman City program. I am looking forward to the opportunity to personally experience the incredible history I have been studying for the last two years. 

Where is your favorite place to study on-campus? 

I can usually be found studying on the second floor of the Allen Library. It is a quiet space to study with beautiful views of campus. 

What is one of the many humanities courses you recommend taking? 

CLAS 314: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in the Ancient World with Professor Sarah Stroup was one of my favorite Classics courses. The class is a combination of engaging and informative lectures and experiential learning. Applying what we learned from lectures, we worked in groups in the Maker Space trying to construct our own versions of ancient technologies. Groups constructed various projects such as looms, water wheels, and trebuchets, demonstrating the success–and sometimes failure–of their project at the end of the quarter. I gained a new appreciation of the skills and knowledge of ancient people through this class. In a pinch, I can now construct a water wheel to grind grain that I am not sure how to grow!

What has been an unforgettable experience during your time at UW thus far? 

I presented my paper on honor culture, "On My Honor: The Key to Understanding Odysseus", at the Classical Association of the Pacific Northwest Conference this year. Despite the excruciating process of distilling a year's worth of work into a ten-minute talk, it was an amazing and rewarding experience. I shared my work and made new connections with Classicists from all over the PNW, many of whom inspired new avenues of research for me.

How have you used the Humanities Academic Services advising office while on your journey? 

I have used HAS (Humanities Academic Services) to declare my major and, later, my minor in Hellenic Studies. I have also attended events for First Generation students, where I was able to meet and connect with other students with similar experiences. 

What advice would you give a new student in the humanities? 

A humanities education is as much about the skills you gain as it is the specific subject you study. When I tell people I plan to attend law school after I graduate, many are confused by my choice of a Classical Studies major. My studies have improved my writing skills, sharpened my critical analysis, and refined my rhetoric. 

Take classes that interest you and that will hone the skills you will need to accomplish your future goals. A humanities education equips you with a broad skill set that you can segue into a variety of future careers, regardless of what major you choose.