What made USC your college of choice?

Until junior year of high school, USC was not my top choice. My whole perspective of Carolina changed when I personally experienced the charm of USC’s campus on a guided tour. On that tour, I was astonished and intrigued by USC’s history as I was captivated by the small school atmosphere around campus. Afterwards, I was sold on coming to Carolina and nothing could stop me from becoming a Gamecock!

Why did you choose to pursue History at USC?

I chose to study history because I have always been surrounded by it. My father earned his bachelor’s in history and, for as long as I can remember, he has been telling my family about different battles and events from the past. His passion for history is infectious so, when choosing a major, history was the front-runner.

What has been your favorite History course thus far?

As a disclaimer, I want to say that I have enjoyed all of the history courses I have taken at USC. If I had to choose one, it would be HIST 493: The Caesar’s with Dr. Jason Osborne. The class was a blast; Dr. Osborne did a really good job of engaging us with interesting information about the dilemmas and social situations that the early Roman Empire faced. It also doesn’t hurt that I am interested in the tactics and weapons used for warfare in antiquity.

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned as a History major? How has it changed your life?

The most valuable thing I’ve learned as a history major is to strive for objectivity by using multiple sources, when available. Oftentimes, this is not the easiest method but it is usually the best. Because of this, I now review information with a critical eye. Rather than blindly trusting the news presented to me, I research the author’s potential bias and the validity of the sources they used while writing their piece.

How do you spend your time outside of the History Department?

When I am not studying history, I spend my time preparing for medical school. This has involved shadowing physicians, working as a peer leader for an organic chemistry class, and completing over 40 hours of science credits. I am also pursuing a minor in Spanish, with the hope of visiting Spain this summer and eventually applying my knowledge of Spanish to the medical field as a translator. When I am not studying, I enjoy spending time with friends & family, reading, playing Frisbee, backpacking, and fly fishing.

What are your plans for the future?

After graduating from USC, I plan to attend medical school where I hope to enter into residency for surgery, cardiology, or emergency medicine. After my career in medicine, I want to earn a master’s, and maybe a Ph.D. in history, so that I can spread my knowledge of the past to future historians.

Favorite Book: 
My favorite book is either A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway or Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut.

Favorite Quote: My favorite quote is “laugh once a day - because a day without sunshine is like . . . night” from Steve Martin. This always reminds me to find at least one way to laugh and enjoy each day which has helped me through quite a few finals.

More info:

I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina and I graduated from Homeward Education Association in 2015. Since freshman year, I have been actively involved in Shandon College Ministry where I have served in various leadership positions including the elected position of general officer. During the previous two summers, and fall of 2017, I was a peer leader for Dr. George Handy’s Organic Chemistry II class where I served as a lab assistant one summer. I am also involved in resurrecting USC’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, a national history honors society. During this year, I have had the privilege to also serve as a Resident Mentor in the Honors Residence Hall.