Current degree track / completed UH degree:

BA in History

How was public history part of your degree plan? (elective courses, minor or major field of study, special project, class project, or other?)

I interned with Houston History and was exposed to public history work through that internship. I also enrolled in two Houston History classes as electives and completed an article and a digital project for those courses.

What elements of public history did you focus on most? (oral history, museum work, preservation, publications, writing a Houston History article, exhibits, digital work, etc.)*

I got the most experience in oral histories and the publication process but I feel I gained valuable experience in all aspects of public history.

How has working with the Center for Public History or on a public history project helped you in your career and / or current working position?*

With Dr. Harwell's guidance, I became a much stronger writer and this helped me tremendously as a graduate student. Each of the position's I've held since my internship with HHM have recognized and admired my ability to write. I think this skill definitely sets me apart from my peers. I also think that my knowledge of Houston's culture and history is a unique trait that has helped me stand out at organizations that serve the Houston community, like museums or schools. For example, I was recently hired as an AP Social Studies teacher and as part of the interview process I was asked to draft a lesson plan on migration. I centered the lesson plan around the city of Houston's migrant groups, which impressed my interviewers and really demonstrated my commitment to the city. I don't think I would've come up with that lesson plan without my experience working with the magazine.

What did you find most meaningful in your experience with public history?*

I declared a major in history because I truly enjoy the subject. I experienced some anxiety about the major because I worried about job prospects and there was a part of me that struggled to define a historian as anything other than an "academic." Working with the magazine allowed me to engage with history in a new way that felt more applicable to my professional aspirations. I graduated feeling very confident in my ability to find a job that utilized my skills and interests. This was very comforting and important to me as a first generation college graduate, because I seldom felt "ready" for the job market. Finally, through my work with CPH I discovered so many treasures in the city of Houston, from artworks to restaurants, that helped me cultivate an intense devotion and love for my hometown. Anytime I travel anywhere else, people call me the "Houston girl" because I cant stop bragging about my city.

What is your planned career trajectory?*

I've always worked in education, and will be an AP Social Studies teacher.

Do you have any advice for future public history students?*

Be Creative! The great thing about public history is that your task is to come up with different ways to get people to engage with history, so the sky is really the limit. Also, I would advise students to think about their family and community's history- there are so many precious and valuable stories to discover and reflect upon.