The coronavirus crisis has resulted in major shifts within all of our lives, unfortunately including the delay of graduation celebrations and ceremonies for college seniors. While we may not be able to celebrate in person, our “Celebrating AMST Seniors” series is dedicated to recognizing and congratulating seniors graduating with majors in American Studies for their accomplishes and sharing what they appreciated about the major during their time at UNC.
Q: What are your majors and minors?
A: American Studies and American History with a minor in Women and Gender Studies
Q: What has been your favorite course or professor in American Studies?
A: AMST 202: Historical Approaches to American Studies with Dr. Kotch (when I was on the fence about the major, this class helped me decide to pursue it).
Q: What do you wish people knew about American Studies?
A: You get to learn the coolest things (sometimes very niche stuff), and every professor is outstanding at what they do!
Q: How has studying American Studies affected your understanding of life in America, or what has your biggest takeaway from your time in American Studies been?
A: There’s just so much to learn about! American history is comprised of many interdisciplinary stories that there’s no limit to what you can learn. Just when you think you know about one subject, another one pops up!
Q: How do you hope to apply your studies in American Studies professionally?
A: Moving into post-graduation life, I’ve really recognized how wide my opportunities are. Since American Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach, I’ve had experience learning about stuff in a wide range of disciplines, so it’s both useful in a professional way and just life in general!
Q: Why should students pursue a major or minor in American Studies?
A: There is just so much you can learn about society and culture, and every person in the department cares about what they’re doing and they’re willing to help you!