What made USC your college of choice?
I accompanied my sister to her USC college tour when I was in middle school so that
was my first experience with campus. I remember walking around and thinking I could
see myself going there. Fast forward to my junior year of high school, I participated
in a program called Summer Seniors where I was able to spend five days on USC’s campus,
live in the dorms, and learn more about the school. That experience cemented my decision
to come to The University of South Carolina.
Why did you choose to pursue History at USC?
History has always been my favorite subject. I’ve always found the past to be so interesting
and full of unbelievable stories that answer the question of how we got here. The
significance of being a historian took on a whole new meaning once I realized it can
be used to explain the various social issues plaguing our country. I believe history
provides the context we need as a country to better identify the roots of virtually
all issues and better address and correct them.
What has been your favorite History course thus far?
My favorite course so far is a class called The American Civil Rights Movement. It
was one of the most impactful classes I have taken so far at USC. It went in-depth
about the African American struggle for equality in America reaching far beyond the
stunted time frame I learned about in high school. The course was taught by Dr. Patricia
Sullivan, an extremely knowledgeable scholar who opened my eyes to parts of the Civil
Rights movement I never knew and ultimately gave me a better understanding of past
and current race relations in America. Also, as an African American Woman, it gave
me even more pride in the tenacity of my community.
What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned as a History major? How has it changed
your life?
The most valuable thing I have learned as a history major is the power of interpretation.
Learning history in primary education you’re fed a lot of opinions and interpretations
presented as facts. The assumption is that History, being a record of the past, never
changes but that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are dates and names that
are unchangeable facts but beyond that historical events have to be interpreted in
the context of when they are happening, from different points of view, and taking
into account not only the effects but also the causes leading to significant events.
Being a history major has helped me understand how important it is to have objective
historians who are truly, and unbiased recording and interpreting our history. How
scholars interpret history has a huge impact on how citizens and non-scholars understand
the society they’re living in and it can have a serious impact. Knowing this has drastically
changed the importance of my future career to me.
How do you spend your time outside of the History Department?
Outside of the history department I enjoy volunteering, attending USC sporting events,
going to church, and spending time with family.
What are your plans for the future?
After undergrad I plan on continuing my education in history by pursing a PhD in American
history and eventually becoming a professor. I hope to specialize in Civil war and
early 20th century history with an emphasis on African American Women’s history, the constructions
of femininity and evolution of African American Feminism.
Favorite Book:
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Favorite Quote:
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past”
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Tell us some fun facts about yourself!:
I am from Greenville South Carolina. I am a research assistant for the Center for
Civil Rights History and Research, a member of Gamecock Connection and the Multicultural
Outreach Student Team, and a recipient of The Grace Jordan McFadden Scholarship.