How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you or give you unique insight for the “real world” of work?
My Applied Humanities coursework helped me develop the ability to analyze complex social issues while keeping people and communities at the center of the work. The program emphasized critical thinking, ethical reflection, and applied research skills that translate directly to real-world settings. Through projects such as pre- and post-survey analysis for community programs, I learned how to interpret data while understanding the human experiences behind it. These skills have helped me approach my professional work with both analytical thinking and compassion, allowing me to contribute to research, community initiatives, and healthcare environments in meaningful ways.
What is a benefit you see now in studying your area of emphasis and the Applied Humanities?
One benefit of studying Business Administration within the Applied Humanities program is learning how to combine organizational and management skills with a human-centered approach to community work. My coursework, along with completing my Community Health Worker (CHW) certificate, helped me understand how leadership, program planning, and budgeting can be used to support community health initiatives and improve access to resources.
I apply these skills both in my professional role and in my community leadership work. As Co-Director for Camp Druzy through CHARM and as Treasurer on the board of directors, I use business and administrative skills, including budgeting, program coordination, and data-informed decision-making, while keeping the mission of supporting grieving children and families at the center of the work. The Applied Humanities perspective allows me to approach leadership in a way that is both strategic and community-focused.
What advice would you give to Applied Humanities students as they approach graduation?
My advice to Applied Humanities students as they approach graduation is to be intentional about choosing an internship that is meaningful and aligned with your interests and future goals. Try not to select an internship simply to fulfill the requirement and graduate; instead, invest your time in an opportunity where you can truly learn, develop skills, and contribute to meaningful work.
A well-chosen internship can open doors, help you build professional relationships, and allow you to apply what you learned in the classroom to real-world settings. When you choose something that genuinely interests you, the experience becomes much more valuable and can continue to shape your professional path even after graduation.
With hindsight, what do you appreciate about your Applied Humanities education?
I appreciate how the Applied Humanities program helped me develop a broader perspective on leadership, community engagement, and problem-solving. The program encouraged me to think critically about social issues while also learning how to apply those ideas in practical ways.
Looking back, I especially value how the program connected academic learning with real-world experiences through community-based projects and internships. Those experiences helped me build transferable skills in communication, research, collaboration, and program development that I continue to use in my professional role and in my community work, including my involvement with CHARM and Camp Druzy.
The foundation I gained through Applied Humanities has also inspired me to continue my education, and I am currently enrolled in a master’s program in Educational Leadership. The program helped me see how humanities-based thinking can guide compassionate leadership and meaningful work within communities.
