Q&A with Zariya Lagroon, ’20, Senior History and Political Science Double Major

Q&A with Zariya Lagroon, ’20, Senior History and Political Science Double Major

Why did you choose to come to PC?

When I was looking at my options after high school, I was looking for a small college in a rural area. I did not want to be in a big city, and I did not want to go to a big school.  So, when I visited PC in December of my senior year, I fell in love with the campus and the surrounding area.

What made you interested in majoring in history?

My interest in history developed as a child by learning from my father about the World Wars and listening to my grandparents tell stories about growing up during wartime America.

As a freshman, like many in my class, I was going to be a biology major, but that changed after I realized that I was not happy as a science major. At the same time, I was taking my general education history courses which helped me rediscover my interest in history.

So, I changed my major to history and added a second major in political science. I’ve found that the two majors work well together.

How would you describe your experience in PC’s History Department?

The professors in the History Department take a genuine interest in all of their students and want to see them succeed. The support that these professors provide is not found at many other schools and is one of the biggest reasons I’m glad I chose PC.

What advice would you give to students considering coming to PC and majoring in history?

Incoming freshmen should know that college and high school are different. No one is going to hold your hand and do the work for you. You have to take initiative in your studies and in your future.

Do not be afraid of change. You may not like the major you picked originally, and that’s okay. If you have even the slightest interest in history, take at least one upper-level class in a topic you find interesting. You won’t regret it.