- Junior majoring in History and Arts Management
- From Barrington, IL
- Member of the History Honors Program with other history students
- Conducting research focused on early modern English history
- Member of Tri Delta sorority; co-chair of PR/marketing for the Miami University Traditions student organization
"My best general advice to prospective Miami students is that there is a place for every kind of person here with every kind of interest, as long as you're willing to look for it! When you find it, it'll be the best feeling in the world."
Why Miami?
"I found Miami because of their unique arts management program. Once I visited, I was absolutely sold. The red brick buildings reminded me of where I'm from, and I immediately felt like I was at home! I was amazed not only by the beautiful campus, but by how genuine everyone I met on my visit was.
"I did not start my freshman year as a history major, but I took a history class, called Survey of Medieval History, that I absolutely adored. One day, professor Charlotte Goldy (now retired) asked me to come to her office after class and told me, ‘You're a history major.’ I told her she was mistaken and she laughed, handed me a form to change my major, and said, ‘No, you ARE a history major.’ I've been in love with the subject and the department ever since."
Best Miami Experiences
Miami University Traditions' Leadership Team
"In my history major, I learn about people and events not only throughout time, but all around the world. The courses offered by the department are diverse and enriching, and I feel like there is a class for anything I might ever be interested in learning about.
"I love the Department of History because not only do I find the subject fascinating, but it's also such a wonderful, close community of students and faculty. The students in the History Honors Program, where we pick a research topic of our choice, have become great friends of mine, and everyone in the department has my best interests in mind!
"I am also very involved with my sorority, Tri Delta, where I have held leadership positions and met some of my closest friends. Another organization that I’m involved with includes Miami University Traditions, a club dedicated to celebrating the history of Miami and putting on the Charter Day Ball."
Miami and the Liberal Arts
"I love going to a liberal arts school because I get the opportunity to take a lot of super interesting classes outside of my major, and I feel like I’m getting a very well rounded education. Some of my favorite classes that I’ve taken outside of my major include Introduction to Linguistics, a geology lab, and a class about children and families. All CAS students also study a foreign language, and I have been studying Latin for the past two years.
"After graduation, I want to continue to study history and get my PhD. Miami is preparing me for this experience with one-of-a-kind mentorship and research opportunities.
"The greatest skills I've learned from my time at Miami have been improving my skills in writing and research. The opportunities I've been given to practice these skills are one-of-a-kind and are preparing me for the writing and research I will be doing in grad school."
Discovering a Passion for Early Modern European History
Jaycee Streeter and a friend at Tri Delta's
Annual St. Jude Pancake Fundraiser
"I am so grateful to be a part of the History Honors Program. Guided by my faculty advisor, professor of history and senior associate dean Renee Baernstein, I was given the opportunity to independently research a topic of my choice for three semesters, culminating in a thesis.
"My thesis focuses on the political motivations behind witchcraft trials and accusations in 17th and 18th century England. Dr. Baernstein has given me invaluable advice not only regarding my research, but my life post-graduation. I am in the final stage of my research and will be presenting my topic at the end of the spring!
"My research experience in history was what made me realize that I want to further my education in early modern European history, and I hope to continue to do history research for the rest of my life. I have absolutely fallen in love with the process, and I am so thankful to my department for opening that door for me. I have even been awarded funds by the Newberry Consortium Committee to visit an archive for hands-on research experience.
"Not only did these opportunities make me realize my passion for history research, it has also been a period of immense personal growth. In addition to developing my writing skills, I have also significantly improved my self-confidence and determination."
Advice to Students
"My best general advice to prospective Miami students is that there is a place for every kind of person here with every kind of interest, as long as you're willing to look for it! When you find it, it'll be the best feeling in the world.
"To a new student interested in the history major, I would like to say how jealous I am that they are about to start their journey with this wonderful department. I wish I could do it all over again. The friends and mentors that I have made here at Miami will stick with me for the rest of my life."
[February 2021]