Welcome to the first part of our History Day series. History Day is on February 25th. Faculty, graduate students, and volunteers all create an exciting day of learning for students throughout Middle Tennessee. This year's effort is led by Dr. McIntyre and three graduate assistants - Katie Rosta, Brigitte Eubank, and Brad Wright.
Our first interviewee is Katie Rosta.
MB: Hello Katie. Thank you for joining me for the History Day Interviews. Will you describe some of your work with History Day?
Katie: This is my second year as a graduate assistant working on History Day. We help coordinate the Middle Tennessee competition. We partner with Kelly Wilkerson the state coordinator to assist teachers with workshops, registration questions, topics for history, and even going out to the schools to help teachers.
MB: That sounds exciting! How does History Day this year compare with last year.
Katie: This year's theme is Debate and Diplomacy in History. Last year's theme was Innovation in History. We are expecting another exciting day just like last year.
MB: Do you still need volunteers?
Katie: Yes. We can always use volunteers. There are a variety of categories to judge, including exhibits, documentaries, performance, websites, and papers.
MB: Do you have any other thoughts about History Day?
Katie: Working on History Day has been a wonderful opportunity for me. I enjoy working with teachers and students. It ties in with my career goals to work in museum education.
MB: So tell me a bit about yourself. How far along are in the program?
Katie: I'm in my fifth semester with a museum studies concentration. Right now I'm taking Material Culture with Dr. West and Research Methods with Dr. Holloway.
MB: Do you have any advice for new graduate students?
Katie: Have Kate Turabian's book as a second pillow!
MB: Haha. What are some of the skills that you have learned while in the program?
Katie: I've learned exhibit design and curriculum development in Dr. Martin's classes. Last semester in Dr. West's class we gathered and compiled information about the Old City Cemetery in Franklin. There's so much I've gotten to do while here.
MB: Is there anything else you would like everyone to know?
Katie: I've enjoyed my graduate school experience. For anyone that gets overwhelmed at times remember there is light at the end of the tunnel.
MB: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview.
Matt Bailey with the MTSU History Department
1 comment:
I love Katie Rosta! She is the best.
She also does a wonderful day with History Day. I can't wait to judge this year!
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