Joanna Gonda '17

I wanted to be a math major and eventually become a high school math teacher (the latter is still true). But as the end of my sophomore year approached (and my Whitman math experience became intolerable), AHVCS became the obvious choice.

AHVCS isn't just about art or history. For me, it has been about challenging everything I see, hear, think, and do-addressing how images, music, media, etc. affect our thoughts and actions. I have gained a critical eye and an intense curiosity. Moreover, I have used multiple disciplines to argue and address these issues. AHVCS is the quintessential example of a liberal arts education.

I don't have solid plans yet for next year, but I will either get a teaching job or go to grad school to get my masters to teach (in the California school system). As I write applications and reflect on my four years at Whitman, I realize that I have a lot to offer a classroom and a lot of gratitude for the AHVCS department. And as STEM transitions to STEAM to include arts and design, I am in a great spot to thrive in the classroom!

ps. my computer wants to autocorrect AHVCS to AHCHOO, lol.