Andrew Snowman

What was the most impactful class you took in your major?  

The most impactful class that I took in my major was the Mason Family Account Book class co-taught by Professor Kierner and Professor Oberle. The research skills I obtained from this class have been paramount to my ability to produce history. The combined graduate and undergraduate student atmosphere fostered the scholarly environment that I sought. 

History majors get few opportunities as undergraduates to produce history. While much of their time is spent consuming and regurgitating material, the senior capstone project in HIST 499 is a chance for students to let their acquired skills shine. History and memory in NOVA taught by Professor Oberle exposed me to the process of creating historical scholarship. Words cannot describe how transformative his expertise and ability to help students answer the ever important “so what?” question in their research has been for me. This class encouraged students to make local history connections to broader issues that create a meaningful project. 

What activities were you involved in during your time at George Mason that impacted you?  

I took full advantage of the study abroad opportunities available at George Mason. I participated in a winter, spring, and two summer break programs during my undergrad. These programs shaped me into who I am today and provided an experience that a classroom setting cannot provide. My first trip to France with Professor Bauman and Professor Gregg, “From Roman to Parisian,” exposed me to the greater world and allowed me to thrive in another culture. My second and fourth trips to Spain for the “Spanish Language and Culture Program,” immersed me in a foreign culture with host families that gave me an inside perspective on a different way of life. My third, but arguably most impactful experience, was the weeklong “Holocaust Studies” trip to Poland with Rabbi/Professor Aft. It showed me what hate can do when unchallenged and gave me firsthand training in historical empathy. 

What is your most memorable moment at George Mason inside or outside of the classroom?  

My most memorable experience so far at George Mason was the opportunity to present my research at the Virginia (Humanities) Forum, last March. It was the culmination of all my hard work during my undergraduate degree. It reiterated that my dedication to my education has not gone unnoticed. Being able to interact with and present my research to established scholars in the field of history as an undergraduate is an experience I will always look back on fondly. It serves as a reminder of how far I have come since making the leap from the workforce back into school. 

As you are reflecting on your time at Mason, what is one piece of advice you would give a student who is just starting off on their Mason journey? 

I would tell a new George Mason student to make every effort to study abroad at least once. There are so many life skills that these opportunities provide. I would also tell them to take a class outside their major and make sure that each semester they have a class on their schedule that they are truly excited about. 

What is your next step after graduation? What are your future plans?

I plan to continue my education this fall in George Mason’s MA program in history.