Ella Roach
Graduation Year: 2009
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Currently living in: Oregon
Current Occupation: Assistant Attorney General
One of my favorite things about studying Classics at CC was learning the process of translation: approaching a text in another language, parsing the words and grammar to try to figure out the meaning, perhaps (okay, usually) consulting the Middle Liddell, and finally attempting to articulate not just the definitions of the words but the tone and sentiment behind them. Now, as an attorney, I routinely read complicated statutory language and case law, consult reference sources or review legislative history, and then communicate the meaning to someone who needs to know what the law means for them. Being able to successfully translate a convoluted statute or complex ruling into language that the client can understand and use is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. And although the statutes aren't written in ancient Greek, sometimes it feels a little like reading Thucydides. (stock photo)
Cassandra Casias
Graduation Year: 2011
Hometown: Pueblo, CO
Currently living in: Durham, NC
Current Occupation: Assistant Professor of Classics at Duke University
What was your experience like as a Classics-History-Politics major?
I loved it! I had trouble narrowing down what I wanted to study, and CHP allowed me to take a wide variety of classes. Not only did I learn multiple languages and study several historical periods, but I was also able to learn about political theory, religion, and comprative literature.
Why were you interested in focusing on Classics-History-Politics as your major?
During my first two blocks, I took History of the Book with Carol Neeel, and she showed me that CHP would allow me to explore a lot of different topics. By taking Latin and Greek, I was better able to understand the ancient world and medieval foundations of many aspects of the modern world.
How are you using your major in your post-CC life?
Although I eventually narrowed my focus to Roman history, majoring in CHP taught me to think broadly and make connections in my research to other fields of study, as well as to maintain a wide vareity of interests.
Kate Gustilo
Graduation Year: 2017
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Currently living in: Denver, CO
Current Occupation: MD candidate at University of Colorado (class of '27)
How are you using your major in your post-CC life?
As a fourth-year medical student pursuing cardiothoraic surgery, the easiest answer to this question is to point out the etymology of all anatomical terms. The language of science and medicine was born from Classics scholars. If you understand ‘brachiocephalic’ as a combination of the Latin root brachium (arm) and the Greek root κεφαλή (head), the brachiocephic artery is now a useful, descriptive term for the blood vessel that perfuses the brain and upper extremity rather than confusing medical jargon. Yet, this answer is trite compared to the invaluable development of one’s mind obtained through a Classics education. Nothing has prepared me for the rigor of medical training more than the skills I developed through intensive study of Ancient Greek texts. Understanding the complex grammatical structure of the language demands the same mental fortitude required to grasp the physiology of a nephron.
I spent years seeing humanity through the lens of Homer, Sappho and Herodotus. Now, I witness the same fundamental nature of our species reflected in my patients’ faces. As a physician, you dedicate your life to finding patterns, asking questions, and seeking answers. The Socratic paradox provides an essential lesson for all physicians. All you know is nothing, thus you must never stop learning.
Sabrina Piersol
Graduation Year: 2017
Sabrina graduated with a double major in Classics and Studio Art. She is a painter based in Aspen, CO, where she is also the Youth & Family Programs Manager at the Aspen Museum of Art.
"Classics had an important effect on the artwork I produce, particularly on my environmental paintings. These explore the meaning and value of fragments. My ideas were heavily influenced by the study of Sappho's poetic fragments in Ancient Greek, which I first encountered at Colorado College and then studied further while getting my MFA at UC San Diego."
Alexis Davis
Graduation Year: 2018Ancient History Minor
Alexis is currently working for the Denver Public Library.
"Having a thematic minor in Ancient World has allowed me to have great conversations with my patrons and coworkers regarding Greek mythology and Greek literature! I've even been asked by patrons to give talks about Ancient Greece."
