Rachael Meyer '18

Major: History
Minor Secondary Education with a Certification in Broad Fields Social Studies


What made you choose this major?

I decided to become a history major because it’s my passion. I love learning about the experiences of others—especially those who lived in a world so different from ours. I believe that we can learn from history and make our world a better place by understanding it. I also believe that being a history major teaches great life skills like close reading, persuasive writing and communicating with others.

How has what you’ve learned prepared you for your future?

Not only have I learned a great deal of content that will help me as I pursue my career as a teacher, but I have also learned many life skills. Carroll’s discussion-based courses have made me more comfortable talking in front of a group. I’ve also found the courses to be academically challenging, which has taught me how to manage my time well and work hard.

What opportunities have you had to work closely with a faculty member and what impact has that had on your education?

One of my professors, Dr. Abigail Markwyn, has been very supportive of me throughout my time at Carroll. She has advised my future path and supported my academics. She’s always willing to meet with me to work on coursework or discuss questions I may have and she has been a major influence on improving my writing and speaking abilities. Developing this relationship has provided me with a very exciting opportunity: she has asked me to participate in an individual, research-based independent study with her next semester. All the professors in the history department care about their students, are willing to give them personalized attention, and want each one of them to succeed.

What’s one of the most unique experiences you’ve had relating to the coursework in your major?

The most unique experience I have had in one of my history classes was a role play game simulating a historical event. The game was based in the 1750s and simulated a treaty negotiation between colonial Pennsylvanians and Delaware Indians. Every student received a specific character they had to maintain throughout the role play, with specific objectives they tried to achieve. It was very engaging and the entire class learned a lot from the experience. These types of games come in many varieties and are used throughout the history courses at Carroll. The Carroll history program makes studying history meaningful and fun, not just a memorization of dates and names.

How has Carroll enriched your growth as a person outside of the skills you’re learning in the classroom?

The history major isn’t credit intensive, so it’s easy to double major or add a minor. I added a secondary education minor so I can pursue a career in teaching, but also study history, which I am passionate about, all while graduating in four years. While the history courses at Carroll are academically challenging, I’ve had time to be involved in clubs and athletics. I’ve played on the women’s golf team and been involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Both experiences have been crucial to my college experience, both in making friends and growing in my ability to work with others.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I am very happy with my decision to attend Carroll University. The staff and students have been supportive of both my academic and extracurricular pursuits. Carroll has a great campus community and has become a second home for me. While Carroll’s academic programs have challenged me and made me a better student, I also enjoy the entire experience Carroll offers—from the residence halls to the dining options to the fun events Carroll puts on every weekend. Even though being far away from home is hard sometimes, Carroll’s staff and students made me feel welcome from the very beginning of my college experience and I would not change a thing.

Learn more about the History program
 

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