This interview was conducted by Student Intern, Pierce Greer, in September 2023.
Q: When did you attend Butler, and what was your major/minor?
I attended Butler from Fall 2017 until Spring 2021. I graduated with a combined major in History and Anthropology. I also majored in English.
Q: What did you learn through your major/minor that you find useful today?
Anthropology taught me to observe and listen and make connections that go beyond just the similarities between me and another person. History gave me direction in my academic career both in subject matter and location. I was interested in the history of the Scottish highlanders and completed my junior year history project on highlanders who had migrated to the U.S. This inspired me to complete my graduate degree in Scotland after I finished at Butler.
Q: How did your time at Butler impact your future and where you are right now?
Well, I work about five minutes from Butler at Newfields. I would never have grown to have such an interest in this institution if my professors had not assigned us tasks and papers on the works at the museum. Butler made dreams of working in the cultural heritage sector tangible and gave me the resources and skills to get there.
Q: What does working in a museum like Newfields look like to you? What is exciting? What is challenging?
The overall mission and purpose of working in a place like Newfields is consistent and really oriented toward the community. Challenges arise almost daily, but there are few art emergencies. I think the most challenging part is completing projects of high quality work on very tight timelines. However, the most rewarding part is when an exhibition is open to the public, and you see community members visit and interact with different aspects of art and culture that speak to them.
Q: What advice would you give to current students?
Don’t limit yourself. Many goals or dreams in life are achievable with the right people in your corner and confidence in yourself. If you’re looking at grad school, maybe look outside of the U.S,. as it can be a cheaper and more efficient way to gain a degree.