1...#QCHistoryEngages On why I chose an MA in Library Science and History - My love of History was not sparked from a single visit to a museum, but rather continuous interactions with educational institutions.
2...My first memory of such a place was a visit to the @FloridaMuseum in Gainesville. The two exhibits I recall from the trip were displays on #bats and #dinosaurs, two things many 8 year olds enjoy. Still have the bat book from the trip.
3...My parents would always encourage visits to the #library as I had an interest for reading from a young age (not sure how they inspired that from the beginning - gladtheydid). This turned into an opportunity for me to discover new topics such as astronomy and other sciences.
4...These discoveries encouraged my curious nature and created a “vicious” repetitive cycle of learning a little about something new, needing to visit the library to learn more about the subject, and then finding a new topic to learn about while browsing the aisles.
5...Nowhere else did this desire to learn everything about a subject manifest itself more than in my discovery of #magic tricks. I HAD to know how they were performed, thus sparking my interest in deception.
6...My variety of interests made me inquisitive in school so I did not mind reading the #history textbooks. I did not find it boring to study about people from “a long time ago” but actually rather interesting to read about what their lives were like.
7...I was fortunate to have several good “social studies” teachers in grade school who managed to make the classes fun and the subject exciting. They encourage curiosity and discovery which inspired me to want to keep learning.
8...Initially began undergrad in a different field, but then realized it was not for me. Seriously considered what my interests were and how I could pursue them in a sustainable fashion. Changed to BA in History with a Minor in Social Science Education.
9...While an undergrad, I interned with the local Public History Center, a small school house that showcased early 20th century life. At the PHC I acted as an educator for school tour groups and creator of mobile lesson plan units for classrooms.
10...The PHC allowed me to practice necessary public history skills such as group engagement, presentation of information, and personal exhibit research to familiarize myself with the material. There was also an Archives Dept. at the PHC.
11...I assisted the Archives with a small project and visited the campus library’s Special Collections division for a research assignment. I knew then I wanted to be a history educator in some form. Perhaps not teaching though.
12...After moving away from the college town where I had connections and experience, I found it difficult to break in to the museum field in the new city. I began taking odd jobs at companies unrelated to my field of interest, stifling my passion for a time.
13...Eventually the opportunity presented itself where I landed a low-level position within an educational institution that provided a stable source of income and an encouraging research environment.
14...I was inspired by coworkers who were living their dream, to go back to school for an advanced degree in Library Science and History where I would be able to learn proper collections skills and how to conduct quality #research.
15...I am now able to thoroughly and intelligently find information on topics I or friends are curious to know more about; and am working towards the prospects of being an educator by studying the role of an archivist.
16...While archivists focus on collection, preservation, and dissemination of info; I hope my training will afford me the opportunity to land a career at an institution that shares some of my interests. Whether it is a collection of #circus, #magic, or #Spiritualist materials.
17...I believe encouraging #futurehistorians should begin as early as possible. Get them to #libraries, #museums, #stateparks and ignite their wonder! Don't let fall into the trench of "history is boring," make it #relatable.
18...History is no longer written just by/for/about #deadwhiteguys. It is a discovery of society's past and that includes #allvoices. Learn everything you can about your passion so people can turn to you for help. Be the smartest person on a subject!
19...Along the way you will discover different perspectives that challenge what we currently know. Share those challenges with others to create a better understanding of what it means to be #human.
@threadreaderapp unroll
