Paraphrase the author's statement on how their professors at Ursinus have helped them overcome their insecurities and fostered their love for writing and reading history. Answer according to: I am a history major from West Philadelphia with a particular interest in modern American history. I am the archive assistant for Ursinus (located on the 2nd floor of Myrin). During the week I reside on the first floor of Myrin reading during all hours of the day. On the weekends I act as the DJ for Omega Chi. I have an unconditional love for big dogs, Newfoundlands in particular.
In History 200 we read the text “Salem Possessed.” The class period before we read the conclusion / Boyer’s final analysis I hypothesized in class where I thought Boyer & Nissenbaum were going. As a Sophomore history major I had previously been tentative in class to participate. I ended up being spot on correct and since that moment I have never hesitated to express my opinions/analysis.
I participated in Summer Fellows in 2017 as well as continuing my project into the fall as my proposed honors research. I am studying primary source documents from southern West Virginia counties in order to analyze linguistic tools of identity perpetuation in coal dependent areas. Over the summer I did an extensive secondary source dive into the history of the coal industry as well as creating my own methodology for blending history and sociology. I look to challenge typical methods of both disciplines by placing them in conversation with one another as a way to use history to talk about the present social climate.
I love Ursinus! I struggled freshman year to find my voice but with the help of many influential characters, Dr. Doughty, Dr. Clark, Dr. O & Dr. Daggar, I have been able to express my opinions and challenge my natural tendencies. I have a passion for writing and reading history that without the support of my professors would have been washed away due to my own insecurities. At Ursinus I have found unconditional support coupled with simultaneous challenging of my own ideas.
This prompt doesn't seem malicious.