A high school history teacher and the musical “Hamilton” set Grace Zarley (’26 history) on the path toward her dream job – becoming a museum curator.
“That is my Plan A,” Zarley said. “My long-term goal is to get to Washington, D.C., to work there one day. It’s the hub of history.”
Zarley’s high school history teacher, Mr. Schermerhorn at Washington Community High School, Washington, IL, combined with “Hamilton” to ignite her passion to study history.
“I just fell in love with it,” Zarley said. “It captivated me. I just wanted to learn everything I could. I went to Washington, D.C., during that time as well. I saw “Hamilton” live, and it was this entire year of history.”
Following high school, Zarley chose to study history at Iowa State.
Before enrolling, Zarley met with Simon Cordery history department chair, and Stacey Cordery, professor of history and director of undergraduate studies. They shared information with her about scholarships, internships, and study abroad opportunities.
“The faculty was absolutely amazing. You could tell they were ready to have me here and they wanted to see me succeed,” Zarley said.
Zarley said the faculty support and variety of history courses have shown her a world of history she didn’t know existed, from a class on the history of America’s first ladies to the history of racial violence.
“The breadth and variety of courses – there was this new area that I was super intrigued by,” Zarley said.
The history department’s encouragement and attention have given Zarley confidence that she will attain her dream job.
“This is a place where they want to see you succeed,” she said. “They want to help you with every avenue. I am constantly getting emails about different internship opportunities. They really want to see you branch out and get the hands-on experience to help you when you do graduate.”
Zarley also works as a Cyclone Aide and said if anyone asks her about enrolling in history at Iowa State, she would tell them, “Just do it.”