Students

History Major Benites: VP of the SGA


The History Department was gratified to learn that History major Diego Benites ’25 was elected Vice President of the Student Government Association at Saint Anselm College. The department is eager to point out that it recognized Benites’ greatness early, having hired him as a department assistant in the fall of 2022. But never mind. One Thing after Another wanted to interview Benites while his election victory was still hot news.

Q: How did you get interested in college politics and student government?

A: That’s actually a rather funny story. Going into my freshman year, I had no intention of being involved with student government. My high school passion was theater. I was part of numerous productions in high school where I worked backstage and onstage. When I first arrived on the Hilltop, I wanted to act, so I auditioned for the Abbey Players’ fall play. Unfortunately, I didn’t make the cut, and I was left with an abundance of time with nothing to do.

After that lost opportunity, I started to look for new ways to occupy my time, and it didn’t take me long before I found one. One day, I was in the coffee shop, and I ran into a friend of mine who had just won his race for the student senate. He invited me to have dinner with him and some others who had been recently elected. All of them began to talk about what they hoped to accomplish this year in student government. I was immediately enthused, and I had a desire to join them. That is when they mentioned that there was going to be a special election for the student senate coming up. Right after dinner, I emailed the SGA asking if I could run in this election, and they said yes. I didn’t think I would win, but I thought I would give it a shot.

Much to my surprise, I did win my race, and I found myself being sworn in as a class of 2025 Senator. It took me a while to find my footing in the senate. Once I did so, I began to fall in love with the organization. It has been a great honor to represent students, to serve them, and to act on their behalf.

Q: What exactly is the job of the Vice President of the Student Government Association at Saint Anselm College?

A: There are many aspects to being the Vice President of the Student Government Association. The most important one is representing the student body’s interest. This means listening to the concerns of students and bringing these concerns to the administration, faculty, and/or staff. This entails remaining in constant communication with various departments on campus and constantly taking the pulse of the student body. As the Vice President, I will also be the President of the Student Senate. I will ensure the Senate is running effectively and efficiently. Although this does seem like a daunting task to undertake, I have been privileged to witness two past Vice Presidents doing the job. I will use them as examples to assist me throughout my tenure as Vice President.

Q: Has your experience as a History major or your overall interest in history informed your political stances on campus or the way you operate politically?

A: My experience as a History major has allowed me to view problems with a wider lens while formulating and articulating my ideas well. In my previous role as the SGA Secretary of Internal Procedures, I was tasked with interpreting and enforcing our Constitution. As a History major, I gained the skill of reading documents and using them to form arguments. I ran across numerous instances in this role where I had to refer to the Constitution to figure out how to handle a situation. I don’t think I would’ve been able to do this so well if I wasn’t a History major. Being able to read and interpret texts is not the only relevant skill I learned as a History major. Studying history has taught me to be aware of past precedent and to understand how my actions can have future ramifications. In my History classes, I learned about people who either went along with the current precedent or worked to establish a new one. While in student government, I take this into account before I act. I try my best to leave some record of my reasoning behind so my successors will understand my thinking.

Q: On numerous occasions, we have discussed your home town of Tyngsboro, MA. What is Tyngsboro’s best kept secret?

A: I would say the best kept secret of Tyngsboro, MA is Tyngsboro Community Theatre. I have the privilege of serving on its board as the secretary. Our president is also a Saint Anselm History alum, Ryan McDonough. We are currently starting the audition process of our summer show, Suessical. I encourage everyone to come see it!

Pizzi Researches Legal History in the University of Nebraska’s REU Program


Last summer, History-Spanish double-major Annabella Pizzi ’25 won a spot with the University of Nebraska’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, working on the Petitioning for Freedom: Habeas Corpus in the American West project which forms part of the Freedom Stories Digital Legal Research Lab. She was part of an undergraduate research team under Dr. Katrina Jagodinsky (History Department, University of Nebraska) whose project examines more than 8,000 habeas corpus petitions from Black, Indigenous, immigrant, institutionalized, and dependent petitioners over the long nineteenth century in the American West. For the summer, Pizzi obtained free room and board along with a stipend of $6,000.

One Thing after Another was excited to hear about Annabella’s experiences at the University of Nebraska, but the blogmaster was too overworked to post this interview in a timely fashion. But the interview is posted now, and you can hear all about what Annabella did last summer.

Q: How and when did you first get interested in history?

A: I have been interested in history from a young age. My dad was a history major and taught high school history in Boston for a while. When I was little, we used to watch documentaries and visit historical sites together. The most memorable place we saw was Plimoth Plantation for my third grade field trip. At eight years old, I was amazed to see that there were other people, besides my dad and I, who loved history! My interest only grew from there.

Q: What brought you to Saint Anselm College?

A: I really liked the tight community at Saint Anselm. This was clear to me even on my campus tour when every student was wearing some kind of Saint Anselm attire, and a bunch of students were having lunch in Dav and working together in the student center. I was also really impressed by the academics. It was clear that school was committed to both of my intended majors, History and Spanish, with the plethora of research and study abroad opportunities offered.

Q: How did you find out about the University of Nebraska’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program (REU)?

A: I found out about the UNL REU from my Spanish Professor, Dr. Inés Vañó- García. She had previously conducted research through the university and told me that it had just launched a new research program through their history department. She recommended that I apply.

Q: While you were in Lincoln, you worked on the Petitioning for Freedom project which formed part of the Freedom Stories Digital Legal Research Lab. Could you tell us about the project and your part in it?

A: I worked under Dr. Katrina Jagodinsky from the UNL history department. Petitioning for Freedom is her project focussing on the way that the writ of habeas corpus was used by people belonging to marginalized communities between 1812 and 1924. By the time the project was opened up to a summer research program, she and her team had already completed the first stage of research which was to visit various archives across the American west and find original habeas corpus case files. Our first task as student researchers was to take the digitized copies of the case files and encode them into a specific encoding platform. As part of the program, we were expected to create our own specific research projects based on the projects of our mentors. The transcription and encoding allowed us not only to assist Dr. Jagodinsky in creating her habeas corpus database, but also helped us learn about the different types of cases, patterns, and people. I was particularly interested in habeas corpus cases filed by Indigenous peoples. Out of the total number of cases related to Native Americans in the Petitioning for Freedom database, 50% of them were Native parents and husbands filing cases against Federal Indian Boarding Schools to regain custody of their minor children and minor wives who had been taken to these schools without consent. The title of my specific research project was “Habeas Corpus and Federal Indian Boarding School, 1879- 1924.”

Q: What did you learn from this experience?

A: I learned a lot about the American legal system and legal history. Though everyone in Petitioning for Freedom had their own individual projects, we had regular lectures on different types of research methods in the humanities. We also had weekly discussions on different communities and their experiences with the law. Some of the books we read for these discussions included Laws Harsh As Tigers: Chinese Immigrants and the Shaping of Modern Immigration Law by Lucy Salyer and States of Delinquency: Race and Science in the Making of California’s Juvenile Justice System by Miraslavo Chávez- García.

Q: You’re from Braintree, MA. Please tell us about the best-kept secret in your hometown?

A: The best-kept secret for a history major has to be the General Sylvanus Thayer House. Thayer was born in Braintree in 1785 and was named the “Father of West Point” since he was an early and important superintendent at the institution. His birth house is currently owned by the Braintree Historical Society as a museum. Every year on Braintree Day, the town opens the house and barn to the public for tours! Besides that, Kristin’s Breakfast is the best. Their specialty pancakes are all so good, but my favorite has to be the Raspberry Cheesecake.

Honan Inducted into Phi Alpha Theta

On Thursday, April 21, 2022, the Saint Anselm College History Department inducted Noelle Honan ’23 (left, above), a History-Biology double-major, into the National History Honor Society Phi Alpha Theta. Assisting in the ceremony was Madison Lessard ’22 (right, above) who was inducted last year. Congratulations Noelle!

Phi Alpha Theta is a professional society whose mission is to promote the study of history through the encouragement of research, good teaching, publication, and the exchange of learning and ideas among historians. The society also seeks to bring students and teachers together for intellectual and social exchanges that promote and assist historical research and publication by members. There are 970 chapters and approximately 400,000 members in the United States. The Saint Anselm College Sigma Omega chapter was established fifty years ago in 1972.

Undergraduate students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours (4 courses) in History with a minimum History GPA of 3.1 and a 3.0 overall GPA. Members receive four issues of The Historian and are eligible to present research at one of 35 annual regional Phi Alpha Theta regional conferences. They can also apply for funding for undergraduate and graduate scholarships and prizes

O’Neill Reflects on NHIOP Internship

Connor O’Neill ’22, a History major with minors in Latin and Politics, just completed a summer internship at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics. We asked Connor to reflect on his experiences at the NHIOP, which also include his service as part of the Kevin B. Harrington Student Ambassador Program.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Saint Anselm College, and what first drew you to the New Hampshire Institute of Politics?

A: I chose to attend Saint Anselm College for the sense of community I felt while visiting and the great academic programs offered by the school. The New Hampshire Institute of Politics was also a deciding factor as no other place allows students to enjoy the same kind of connection to local, state, and national politics. Since the Institute is a destination for politicians and political groups while also being an integral part of St. A’s, it is an important part of the college life.

Q: How does your study of history complement your interest in politics? Which interest came first for you?

A: My study of history complements my study of politics as I look at politics through a historical lens. History and politics are inseparable and intertwined, but I first became interested in politics through the study of History. I look at history and how it can be used to educate us about our future. Politics is about making that future. A saying by the philosopher and essayist George Santayana, which has stuck with me ever since I heard it, is, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This statement is undoubtably true, for those who do not learn the lessons of history will repeat mistakes and the world will be caught in a vicious cycle.

Q: You’ve been closely involved with the NHIOP during your time as a student at Saint Anselm College. Before your internship this summer, what were some of your prior experiences through the Institute? Is there a favorite opportunity you’ve had?

A: Before working for the Institute this summer, I was, and still am, a part of the Kevin B. Harrington Student Ambassador Program which allows students a variety of opportunities to both attend and work at various political events. This ranges from helping to set up for small community discussions to attending national debates. Two of my favorite experiences associated with the program were attending a Politics and Eggs with Vice-President Mike Pence and the 2020 Democratic Primary Debate. Both of these were unique opportunities that one can enjoy only at Saint Anselm College.

Q: Could you tell us about your internship this past summer?

The internship this past summer was concerned with preparing for the 20th Anniversary Year of the Institute of Politics. I helped create materials for use in displays, on the website, in promotional materials, and in the historical records for the Institute, which can be showcased throughout the year at various 20th Anniversary of the Institute events. This work consisted of creating an outreach survey to ask alumni and current students about their experiences with the Kevin B. Harrington Ambassador Program, creating a timeline of major events that occurred at the Institute, and working on identifying images and materials to be used in historical displays in the Institute.

Q: Have you found that any of your politics experience this summer has helped you better reflect on your study of history?

Q: My experiences this past summer have allowed me to reflect on how much has happened in the past twenty years, specifically here at Saint Anselm College. The number of political events that have occurred at the College and the Institute is simply astounding. Founded a few days before 9/11 and celebrating its twentieth anniversary in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute has witnessed many world-shaping events in its 20-year life. And in the meantime, it has made its own mark on history.

Q: What is one new thing you learned while working at the NHIOP this summer that was new for you?

A: One thing I learned about the Institute this past summer was how integral the Kevin B. Harrington Ambassador Program has been to the success of the Institute. The program has allowed students to actively participate in political history and have chances that would never be possible anywhere else.

Q: Do you plan to use your experience through the NHIOP as a building block for a post-graduation career path, or do you have other plans in mind?

A: Upon graduation, I plan to use the skills I learned and the experiences I gained from working with the NHIOP to create a strong foundation for work in either the fields of history or politics.

Bickford’s Internship with Zoo New England

As you can tell from the following, History-Marketing double-major Emma Bickford ’22 has spent a great deal of time preparing herself for a career in public history/museum studies through a series of internships. Here she discusses her varied experiences and thoughts as well as her most recent internship at Zoo New England.

Q: As you start your senior year, could you reflect on why you originally chose to attend Saint Anselm College and study history?

A: I originally chose to attend Saint Anselm and study history because I heard about the History Department’s great reputation from an alum. Part of the benefit of going to a liberal arts school is the ability to double major and explore your interests. This college has so many opportunities for students to get involved, and so far, I have been a part of the History Department as a research assistant as well as the New Hampshire Institute of Politics, Campus Ministry, and the Academic Resource Center. 

Q: You’ve done work on public history in various forums. Which aspects of public history are you most interested in right now?

A: I love how public history brings the past to people by inviting them in for conversations about how the past has shaped the present and will influence the future. When people take interest in history it empowers them to actively participate in it. Public historians have the unique opportunity to participate in current social justice issues through their presentation and inclusion of history. 

Q: You’re a double major in History and Marketing. Do you find that your majors complement one another for your specific interests? How does your academic experience at Saint Anselm bolster your overall interest in public history and nonprofit work?

A: Yes! My double major has helped prepare me for a career in museum marketing, events, finance, or programming. I feel confident that the practical skills I have acquired from both have adequately prepared me for the museum studies and public history fields. 

Q: Tell us about your work this summer. How did you come across your internship in the first place? What kinds of things did you do on the job?

A: This summer, along with completing a grant essentials course, I also completed a marketing internship with Zoo New England. I found this opportunity by searching on LinkedIn. After creating graphics and email blasts for their Plastic Free July campaign, I worked on a project categorizing zoo reviews and recognizing patterns. I helped work on brand guidelines as well. I also completed an independent project called “Zoo Before You” in which I designed, researched, and created graphics for a social media campaign and children’s educational activity focused on the historic features of Franklin Park Zoo. This project in particular was an incredible opportunity because I was able to combine my double major to produce the project.

I also served as a marketing intern for a co-working space where I helped produce a grant application, schedule and manage socials, organize for a podcast, and create content.

Q: What was something new that you learned during your internship this summer?

A: I learned a lot about designing graphics, creating a museum education styled program, and working on a social media campaign.

Q: Has your work this summer helped to clarify your career or academic interests?

A: It has! By working with social media and on my independent project, I appreciated how media can be used to communicate history, engage people, and promote a conversation.

Q: What are some things you might see yourself doing after you conclude your studies at Saint Anselm?

A: My ultimate goal is to be a museum director at a living history museum, and I am excited to engage in the public history field through opportunities that lead me on this path.

Pierce the Park Ranger Talks about Public History

For some time, One Thing after Another knew that History-International Relations double-major Aidan Pierce ’22 spent his summers working as a park ranger in Boston harbor. It was only recently, however, after Pierce had spent a third summer at this job, that this blog decided to ask him about how his work experiences and his History major intersected.

Q; Why did you choose to attend Saint Anselm College?

A: It’s really an unremarkable story. I had applied to many small, liberal arts schools in New England, and unlike other schools, Saint Anselm College gave me the aid I needed. What’s remarkable is what followed. After my frustrating college application process, it took me some time to feel like Saint A’s was for me. The relationships and friendships I have since built fostered a profound sense of home; it is not where you imagine or wish yourself to be, it is where you are accepted and welcomed as a member of a community. The History Department has served as this home, and I’m delighted with the friendships I’ve made among the faculty and majors there.

Q: You study History and International Relations. What are some of your favorite academic areas to dive into? Do you find that your two majors complement one another?

A: After college, I plan to specialize in cultural diplomacy in either practice or academia, which falls a bit more under my International Relations major but is ultimately informed and guided by my passion for history. I deeply enjoy learning about the progress of international relations over time and developing an understanding of how states interact. As a practitioner of diplomacy, one wouldn’t have a complete toolkit without some understanding of how people have learned to come together and settle differences peacefully. Cultural diplomacy specifically focuses on how culture (the arts, educational exchange, anthropological heritage, etc.) can be a tool to deepen ties between nations and peoples. I don’t know how I could pursue my hopes and aspirations without my History classes.

Q: Your work this summer included a job at the Boston Harbor Islands State Park. How long have you been working there? What would you say piqued your interest to seek out this job in the first place?

A: I had the good luck of having an older sibling who worked as a laborer and landscaper on the island before I applied to be a Park Ranger. His stories of the idyllic scenery and boat rides to work were too much to resist, and three years ago, I began working with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. I was excited to work outside at a National Park, and I’ve deeply enjoyed connecting with a great number of people from all over the world. And the thought of wearing a hat like Smokey the Bear was the clincher.

Q: Could you tell us a little about your specific position? What would a typical day look like during your summer job?

A: I am a Park Ranger which entails certain tasks and responsibilities, like rule enforcement, visitor safety, and education. However, being on an island out in the harbor means the job is unique compared to those at many other state or national parks. I work mostly on Georges Island in Boston Harbor, which is the site of Fort Warren, New England’s most historically rich Civil War site. It takes about twenty-five minutes by boat to get from Hingham to Georges, and from there I raise the colors, update weather information on our boards, and unlock the visitor’s center. A ferry brings visitors from Boston, and this boat can have anywhere from a couple to several hundred people on it. Part of my job is conducting boat traffic between these ferries, the commuter boat, and private boaters using a radio. Most days, I also give a tour of the fort, which was built between the 1830’s and 50’s, before it was used as a coastal artillery base and prison for political and military Confederate prisoners of war. During these tours, I tell stories about personal experiences from the fort and aim to interpret the historical artifacts to all of my diverse visitors. I also developed a specific program this past summer where my walking tour was based on women’s contributions to the story of Fort Warren. I’ve also had some opportunities to engage in some light historical preservation. There are many structures on the islands that were built well over a century ago, and a combination of ocean weather and vandalism necessitates a maintenance that won’t interfere with the historic integrity of the artifact.

Q: Would you say that your academic experience at Saint Anselm has helped you grow in your role working in public history?

A: Certainly. Civil War history is not my specialization, but as a Saint Anselm student of history, I’ve been taught how to find many narratives within a single story which helps me engage at a deeper level with the history I’m surrounded by. Writing papers for my classes has also developed my ability to take complex historical events and distill them into their major elements, as much as it’s possible. This is necessary at work when I’m going through our archives to develop programs for our visitors that they might enjoy and learn from.

Q: Do you hope to continue the public history line of work after graduation, or will your career aspirations take you in a different direction?

A: Public history likely won’t be my line of work, but it will always inform my future career pursuits as well as my present aspirations. I’ve been grateful for my time working for the Commonwealth, and I’ve gained a great many skills, relationships, and memories from my three years. As I hope to be a diplomat, a deeper understanding and appreciation of American history will never be a waste of time as I do what I can to be a good ambassador for our country.

Lessard Reflects on Honors Summer Research Fellowship

Madison Lessard ’22, a student assistant in the History Department who is double-majoring in History and Theology, received an Honors Summer Research Fellowship this year. One Thing after Another thought it would be a great idea to ask her about the experience.

Q: What brought you to study history at Saint Anselm College?

A: I entered Saint A’s as an undeclared freshman in the fall of 2018. I thought at the time that I would likely be a Politics major since I’d enjoyed government classes in high school. I enrolled in two introductory Politics courses for my first semester, but I soon discovered that Politics wasn’t a good fit. Luckily, I also had History in mind, and my undeclared advisor happened to be a professor in the History Department. I enrolled in two History classes for the next term and declared the History major during the spring of my freshman year. It’s been smooth sailing ever since. The History Department is the best, and I couldn’t be happier with my choice of study since history has been dear to my heart since I was in elementary school.

Q: Why did you choose to apply to the Honors Summer Research Fellowship?

A: I actually applied for the Honors Summer Research Fellowship twice— first during my sophomore year with a proposal that, in hindsight, wasn’t refined enough. I applied again during my junior year, and was accepted for this past summer. Applying to the program is an option for students of any major in the Honors Program, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to do intensive research as your summer job. Because I have an interest in independent research and hope to attend graduate school, I knew that I wanted to participate in the program, so I’m glad that it wound up working out.

Q: Your research interest is in the Way of Saint James, which you first encounterd thanks to a History Department faculty research assistantship. Could you tell us about that?

A: The Way of Saint James, or Camino de Santiago in Spanish, is a pilgrimage route to the city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, which is the supposed burial site of Saint James, one of Jesus’ Twelve Disciples. Still a very popular pilgrimage today, the route dates back as early as the ninth century, and it experienced a “golden age” of growth during the eleventh and twelfth centuries. My original experience with the Camino was thanks to a paid research position I had with Professor Perrone when he was the Jean Chair during my sophomore year—one of the History Department’s many student job opportunities. For the original research position, I worked with Professor Perrone and a few other students using spatial history mapping software to create maps of the pilgrimage in the twelfth century. It was a great experience since it not only introduced me to research work but also helped foster my own interest in the subject matter.

Q: What was your focus during the research program this summer?

A: This summer, I wrote a research paper that served as an overview of the history of the pilgrimage route, from its origins to the modern day. I argue that the presence of the pilgrimage as well as a sense of religious national identity under the patronage of Saint James were major factors in the growth of northern Christian Spain during the medieval period and into the modern era. The project this summer served to create a foundation for my senior thesis, which I’m working on this semester. With the grasp of the material I obtained this summer, I’ll be better able to focus my thesis which zeroes in on the eleventh and twelfth centuries in particular for the pilgrimage.

Q: How does your double major in History and Theology tie into your research interests?

A: Every time I explain my research interests during a presentation or even during casual conversation, I like to point out that studying a medieval Catholic pilgrimage is more or less the perfect intersection of my two majors. I declared my Theology major a bit later than my History major, but I often find that my academic interests complement one another perfectly, as I love to focus on historical topics in theology and religious topics in history. I’ve been pondering lately just what branch of theology the idea of pilgrimage might fall under, but I find that my study of this one pilgrimage route alone has raised many historical, theological, and even anthropological questions. My research feels interdisciplinary in a lot of ways, and for me as a double major, it really helps me tie all my interests together.

Q: Do you hope to apply your research experience to potential future paths after graduation?

A: Yes, absolutely! I hope to attend graduate school, and I’m still deciding exactly what path I want to go down with regard to a further degree. But I would love for it to have something to do with my interest in pilgrimage and devotion in medieval European Catholic society. We’ll see where I wind up, but I’m very excited to begin the process of searching for my next steps.

Deshaies Runs for State Rep

It recently came to this blog’s attention that Brodie Deshaies ’21, a History-English double-major (and Philosophy minor), is running for the New Hampshire House of Representatives in District 6 of Carroll County. One Thing after Another could not resist asking Brodie some questions about his experiences.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Saint Anselm College?

A: I chose Saint Anselm College for two very practical, but also important, reasons: the campus looked aesthetically nice and the food was excellent. These were my top concerns when touring colleges around New England. Other things that really solidified my decision to go here were the New Hampshire Institute of Politics and the school’s RCIA program. I was actually already going through a process of conversion prior to my freshman year; attending Saint Anselm College allowed me to complete this process by becoming baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. I was previously agnostic.

Q: Originally, you were a Politics major. Now you’re a History and English double-major with a Philosophy minor. Why the change? What brought you to History and English?

A: I decided to drop the Politics major after my freshman year because the classes did not interest me. Nothing against the professors or anything, but I was not passionate about the subject matter. It would have been a terrible four years of college if I did not like what I was studying. I decided to become a History major because I was good at history courses in high school, and I had two AP credits that counted towards the major. I have always really enjoyed history, too, so it was a fitting change. I added an English major because of my EN105 professor freshman year, Kristin O’Brien, and my EN106 professor sophomore year, Ann Holbrook. Both of these professors made me passionate about writing. I enjoy literature, but I have always favored writing and communication. They feel like lost arts. The Philosophy minor was a spur of the moment thing. Second semester junior year, I realized I could fit two more philosophy courses into my schedule for senior year. I have really enjoyed all three philosophy courses I had taken thus far: Formal Logic and Mind and Cosmos, both with Professor Staley, and an ethics course with Professor Brown. Both my theology courses—one with Professor Pilarski and the other with Professor. McMahon—also drove me to my Philosophy minor. I am a strong believer that faith seeks understanding, and my Philosophy minor allows me to continue exploring the Catholic faith.

Q: When and why did you get interested in New Hampshire politics?

A: I became interested during the summer of 2016 because I needed a job, and Senator Kelly Ayotte was hiring. I come from a family with a fairly strong background in Massachusetts politics, but again, this choice was definitely inspired by practical motives. I needed money. My father and I became paid Field Representatives in southern Carroll County. I loved door-knocking and meeting with voters, and after Senator Ayotte lost, I got even more involved. I started going to local and county party meetings, helped local candidates with their campaigns, and ran for state delegate to the party convention in my hometown (Wolfeboro, NH). Eventually, I started getting paid for my work, and now I manage and consult for political campaigns.

Q: In an article that appeared in The Conway Daily Sun, you stated that “the biggest thing I think a representative should do is be an advocate for the people they represent.” What is Wolfeboro like, and what do its people need? What are the biggest problems confronting that part of New Hampshire?

A: Wolfeboro is the second-largest town by population in my county; it has around 6,400 people. It is a mixture of suburban and rural voters, and the average resident’s age is 58.5 years old (making us the second- or third-oldest community in New Hampshire). It suffices to say that we have a lot of retirees. Additionally, Wolfeboro is a resort town and a big summer destination for people all around the world (Wolfeboro is actually dubbed “The Oldest Summer Resort in America” and “The Jewel of Winnipesaukee“). Our community is very dependent on tourism. Because of this, people in Wolfeboro demand a business-friendly climate. This means low taxes for individuals and small businesses and realistic regulations that will not overburden any small, local enterprises. Keeping and promoting this business-friendly climate also helps create more jobs and encourages young families to move into town.

The biggest issues affecting my part of New Hampshire is drug addiction, lack of job creation, and housing costs. In my opinion, all three of these issues are interconnected. Many people in New Hampshire struggle to find a well-paying job because they either live in an area lacking economic development or they lack the skills to do many of the technical jobs that already exist. This makes affording a home or place to live much harder, and the cost of housing in New Hampshire is already high. Due to these unfortunate circumstances, many turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms to address the stresses and anxiety of life. The vice of choice tends to be opioids. Wolfeboro needs a state representative willing to fight for it down in Concord, someone who wants to help create a stronger economy and better job training programs, promote and incentivize private developers to build more housing, and someone who will work to combat the Opioid Crisis. These are all things I plan to do if I’m elected.

Q: Do you think that your studies in History and English have made you a better candidate?

Both majors have helped me become a better candidate. They will also help me be a better public servant. My History major has improved my analytical skills and my ability to solve problems. Additionally, it has furthered my knowledge of political systems and my understanding of politics. My English major has helped me better communicate with voters and future constituents. I have noticed you need strong writing skills for everything in life.

Q: What has the campaign trail been like so far, and what’s next?

A: The campaign trail has been fun but obviously busy. I am always working to get yard signs up and to raise funds. I constantly write letters in my local paper, the Granite State News. The next part is to execute and win the election. And after that, I am unsure. If I win I need to start writing some legislation.

Q: Do you plan to make a career of politics, or will your aspirations take you in a different direction?

A: I am unsure if I will ever make a career out of being a state representative, especially because you cannot do that in New Hampshire (they make $200 a term). However, I do see myself continuing to work on political campaigns (for now). I may even start a business with a fellow Saint Anselm College graduate. We will see. I try not to live too far in the future or in the past. I need to win an election first.

Lessard Labors at Literary Agencies

The History Department recently hired Madison Lessard ’22, a History and Theology double-major, as a department student assistant. The History faculty is very pleased to bring her aboard. Soon after she was hired, One Thing after Another learned that Lessard has some uncommon experiences, and this blog thought they were worth sharing.

Q: What brought you to Saint Anselm College, and why did you decide to become a History major?

A: This may sound like a bit of a college admissions cliché, but I came to Saint Anselm after I visited campus and it just “felt right.” Of all the schools I visited my senior year of high school, I felt far more comfortable and welcomed at Saint Anselm than at any other school. The Catholic, Benedictine environment here was also important to me.

I began my freshman year undeclared, but history had long been my favorite thing to learn since elementary school. History was always the subject I chose to spend extra time outside of school researching because it was interesting to me. After a little experimentation with majors, I finally declared my major in history in the second semester of my freshman year, and I couldn’t be happier with where I’ve wound up.

Q: We understand that you’ve been working for different literary agencies since you were 17. Why did you apply for that kind of job? How did you obtain that position at such a young age?

A: One of my oldest hobbies is writing. I’ve been a novelist for many years, and writing and attempting to publish fiction was how I first learned how the publishing industry works. I applied for my first literary internship because I was very interested in reading, editing, and understanding what happened “behind the scenes” in the publishing process. This was the summer before I became a senior in high school. I happened upon the first internship posting online and applied to it because I saw that it was remote and knew that remote publishing jobs don’t come around very often. I participated in an interview process which involved the sample edit of a manuscript, and I eventually learned that I’d gotten the position.

Q: Could you describe to us what you did at a typical day of work? What kind of books did you review? How have your responsibilities changed over the years?

A: I began my literary work as a “reader” or an assistant whose primary job was to review submissions. Literary agents represent writers and negotiate publishing contracts. To add new clients to their list, agents field unsolicited submissions from aspiring authors. My original job was to review these unsolicited submissions and make recommendations about whether my boss should represent them. I originally was responsible for reviewing fiction across a variety of genres. I worked for several agents over the course of two years, and my responsibilities expanded as I gained experience. I now have experience sorting through agents’ submission inboxes, gathering rights information for sales to publishers, and running agency social media. Presently, I’m the assistant to the president of a literary agency in New York City, and I’m set to be promoted again this fall to associate literary agent.

Q: What are the most important skills you’ve learned at this job? Have you learned anything else while working in this capacity?

A: The most important skill by far is the ability to read and evaluate text with a critical eye. Working in publishing means that it’s very important to keep in mind that what you are reading is a text prepared with the goal of being published. In other words, I have to be picky in going over submissions, and I’m often expected to make many notes and comments for writers. This has honed my editing skills and, in fact, improved my own writing quite a bit over the years. I’ve also been grateful to learn the various ins and outs of the industry in general. I will soon to be trained to negotiate book contracts.

Q: Do you plan to make a career of literary work? Or do you have other plans for the future?

A: To be completely honest, I am surprised, but grateful, that I have been able to progress so much in my literary work over these past few years. Because I went into the industry knowing it would be a rather difficult field to break into, I expected that it would take me much longer than it has to move up in position. When I started out at Saint Anselm, I hoped to make a career as an editor or something similar; this is one of the main reasons I sought out literary internships to begin with. My literary work deals mostly, though not entirely, with the fiction side of publishing, and as I’ve gone through college, I’ve become very fond of research and nonfiction writing as well. With this in mind, I most definitely plan to continue my literary work on my own time, but after college, I hope to attend graduate school and work towards a Ph.D. in history. My eventual goal is to conduct academic research and teach while continuing to participate in the publishing world, and hopefully publishing works of my own.

Bickford Interns at the Eisenhower National Historic Site

Emma Bickford ’22, a History-Marketing double-major in the Honors program, just completed a prestigious summer internship at the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg, PA. Although she had to carry out her duties remotely due to Covid-19, Bickford still learned a great deal this summer. One Thing after Another is always interested in the experiences of our students and had some questions to ask Bickford upon her return to Saint Anselm College.

Q: Even before you set foot on this campus, you were interested in pursuing a career in public history. What sparked this interest?

A: I became interested in public history when I visited Old Sturbridge Village in middle school. What drew me to the field is the way it makes history come alive by engaging us in stories of the past that stick with us long after we’ve left a museum or historic site. It’s a way of using history as a form of outreach that connects people with history to create a better present and future. I am fascinated with how museums and historic places inspire and educate people by showing them how they are part of a much bigger human story.

Q: How did you find out about the internship at the Eisenhower National Historic Site? What was the application process like?

A: After volunteering with the Boston National Historical Park at Faneuil Hall, I knew I wanted to work with the National Park Service again this summer because of the way they create meaningful connections between visitors and history. While researching different college internship opportunities through the National Park Service, I found the Interpretation Intern application for the Eisenhower National Historic Site. The application process consisted of a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation. After I was selected to move on to the next steps of the application process, I completed a phone interview where I got to share more details about my experience, answer further questions, and learn about what the internship would look like if I was selected.

Q: Originally, before Covid-19 struck, what were your duties and projects supposed to be at this site?

A: Before my internship went remote due to Covid-19, I was originally supposed to live on site in Pennsylvania with other interns. I would have acted as a tour guide for the Eisenhower home and worked at the information desk at the site’s reception center. I would have also researched and presented any other interpretive programming I’d worked on during the summer. Finally, I was supposed to work on social media posts with the goal of connecting Eisenhower to people in the 21st century. The goal of the internship was to work with the Eisenhower staff to formulate interpretive programming that applied Eisenhower’s history to modern day conversations and experiences.

Q: How did your assignments change as a result of the pandemic?

A: My readjusted remote internship offered me the opportunity to learn more about writing for public history and how to engage a community online that is centered around history. I was invited to write two articles on any Eisenhower topic I chose; these will be posted on the park website. I wrote one article exploring the ways in which Eisenhower lived out the advice that he gave students during his commencement speech at Dartmouth College in 1953. My second article centered on how Jacqueline Cochran, a leader for the Women’s Airforce Service Pilots, helped inspire Eisenhower’s campaign for the White House. I also found photographs and researched information for Facebook and Instagram social media posts on various Eisenhower topics. The final aspect of my internship included using Adobe Acrobat to make oral histories more fully accessible for people with disabilities.

Q: What exactly are your career goals? How do you think this internship will prepare you to attain these goals?

A: After leaving Saint Anselm College, I hope to attend graduate school in Museum Studies so I can continue working towards my goal of becoming a Museum Director. This internship, combined with my double major (History and Marketing), has enhanced my understanding of public history as well as strengthened my social media skills. The whole experience has allowed me to see how social media can connect people with historic places and stories while also revealing the degree to which history can make an important contribution to modern conversations. I hope to bring both of these insights with me to graduate school and beyond.