Jacob Feehan is a history major from Sardis, Tennessee.

What do you love most about history?

What I love most about History is that it helps contextualize the present, giving me a wealth of knowledge to use when trying to make sense of the present. Learning where we have been helps us better understand why we are the way we are, and how we can improve upon the mistakes of the past.

Why did you choose to be history major? 

I chose History to be my major because I find the stories of the past to be deeply fascinating, useful, and applicable to the present. This major, along with teaching me how to read thoroughly and write succinctly, have given me a wealth of lessons to draw from when trying to guide a course for my own life.

What are the favorite history courses you have taken? 

Thus far, my favorite course has been Dr. Staley's 2800 Introduction to History course. The conversations we had in that class - how history is useful and why choose this major at all - have stimulated my interest in this area of study. I have had plenty of classes that I have enjoyed and found interest in here at Ohio State, but this class, my first course, remains my favorite.

Do you have a favorite professor or professors? Who are they and why?

I don't think I have a favorite professor: they all have strengths that make their subjects interesting and engaging. Based on the subject material they cover and the conversations we have had, I believe Dr. Irwin, Dr. Baker, and Dr. Staley have given me the most food for thought.

What’s one thing you wish every Buckeye knew about the past (and/or about the history department)?

I wish everyone knew that the past is more than merely memorizing names and dates. History is about connecting dots, studying how we have come to the point we have, learning from the mistakes in order to prepare for the future. I wish everyone knew that the past is worthy of being studied, worthy of being observed, worthy of applying what we learn from it to our present.