Max Shafran is a history major from Columbus, Ohio.

What do you enjoy most about studying history?
My favorite aspect of studying history is the reality that in most given locations around the globe, an immense amount of people have had some sort of experience there, both mundane and significant. The lands and sites we can visit today have existed in some fashion for those before us, and those before them. Time pushes forward constantly, leaving a permanent record for future generations to study and interact with. The vast majority of all our history-remembered, forgotten, or unrecorded and forever lost-has occurred on the same planet we all inhabit together today.

Why did you choose to be a history major?
History has always been my favorite subject, and I was lucky to have a couple of inspiring history teachers throughout high school that encouraged me to develop my passion through a higher level of education. I really enjoy reading nonfiction, which thankfully, most of the work of a history major is.

What are the favorite history courses you have taken at Ohio State and why?
This past semester I took History 2475, History of the Holocaust, with Professor Judd. Although covering a sensitive and dark period in history, the topic resonates with us through today, and is important for the general public to be more knowledgeable about. I felt that Professor Judd structured the class in a fair manner; giving the subject the justice it deserved, without punishing the student under a massive workload.

If you could take the place of a historical figure (either dead or alive) for one day, who would you choose and why?
Timothy Dexter, an American colonial businessman, who became lavishly rich off sheer luck and foolishness. Known for his eccentricity, he once faked his own death just to see who would show up to his funeral, before jumping out of the crowd and berating everyone for “not crying enough.” He somehow made profits off selling wool mittens to the Caribbean, and reportedly paid a local fisherman to spout poems praising him all day. My favorite act of Dexter was his writing of his sole book: A Pickle for the Knowing Ones, a 9,000-word rant with no punctuation. Upon critical reception to this peculiar omission, he revised the second version of his book with the addition of a full page of only punctuation, with a note inviting the reader to place wherever they so choose. I would love to live for a day as Dexter, as although a controversial character, he lived life as he chose, and somehow it all worked out.

What’s one thing you wish every Buckeye knew about the past?
After a scandalous election fraught with depiction and back-stabbing, the Ohio State homecoming queen honor in 1926 was given to Maudine, a local cow. There’s even a room in the Union named in her honor.

What do you like best about being a student at Ohio State?
Mirror Lake Eatery’s half-vanilla half-chocolate milkshakes.