Meet A Student

Brian Moon

Sophomore

Brian is from the Kansas City area and is pursuing an European concentration in history, with special emphasis on Russian Studies.  Brian is currently Zeta Omicron's Historian.

Why Did You Select The Program Of History At Park University?   I chose Park University first because of its proximity as a private liberal arts university, and was ultimately sold upon choosing history as my major due to the immediate enthusiasm expressed by Dr. Timothy Westcott when I was being advised for the first time on what courses I should be enrolled and what to expect.  This was prior to the formation of Zeta Omicron and other history activities and already the program of history seemed to have more to offer than any other I was interested in.

What Are Your Plans Following Graduation?  My plans are as varied as they are idealistic; thankfully I am only a sophomore next year (AY 2007-2008), so I will have some time to figure out exactly what I would like to do.  If I do not continue from Park University to a graduate school pursuing Russian Studies, I will, most pragmatically, apply as a foreign service officer for the United States State Department to the Russian Federation.

What Assets Do You Feel A History Major Should Have?  I may be too lofty in my expectations for a history major, but I feel that a history major must be the personification of a liberal arts education.  History majors must be versed and interested in a myriad of fields, especially but not limited to political science, philosophy, international relations and studies, literature and foreign language.  A student of history must be able to write with purpose and vigor, which requires a very strong grasp of language, grammar and conventions.  The most important asset of a history major, however, would be the love of history itself, and never being afraid to read, read, and read.

Do You Participate In Any Extra-Curricular Activities?  If So, Which Ones?  At the moment I only participate in Zeta Omicron and the many different satellite activities and programs that are linked in whatever manner to the history club.  In the future I have a desire to participate in Model United Nations and become involved with Student Senate in a manner that can lead to better service and opportunities for the program of history.

Explain Why Your Personality Fits the Program of History At Park? University changes an individual, whether they want to change or not, whether they are willing to accept and recognize change or not.  I came to Park University looking to press through and walk out with a degree like many students, but it seems that the degree has become a secondary objective to making the environment in which I study a better place.  My desire to see a significant increase in academic excellence and honest, fruitful pursuit of knowledge among history majors at the very least is simply accentuated by Dr. Westcott's ever-expanding program and department, the opportunities it provides for everyone to better themselves and, in a real sense, to help create something where in the recent past very little stood.

Describe Your Favorite Period In History and Why?  My favorite period in history has changed so many times that I wish I could merely state that history itself is my favorite.  My focus starts with European and Classical history, focused entirely for now in early 20th century pre-Soviet and Soviet-era Russia, the rise of fascism in Europe and its ultimate obliteration beneath the heel of the Cold War's finest, and early 20th century Irish-Ireland republican studies.

What Is The Best Book You Have Ever Read And Why?  Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.  One doesn't have to be Stotic, or even know what that is, to learn how to live a good and decent way of life, to learn how to deal with a myriad of situations, and to find happiness or contentment in whatever you are blessed or condenmed with.

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