Graduate Student Shapes History Education across New York City
Inspired by a deep passion for history and culture, Maria Wood, a dual-degree student in the M.A. in Public History and M.S. in Library and Information Science program in St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, created “The Ellis Island Experience,” a field trip guide for Ellis Island, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
Under the guidance of education interpretive rangers from the National Park Service, Maria created the guide to enable school districts and educators at all levels to conduct self-guided tours while visiting the landmark. The guide is customizable and allows educators to emphasize specific exhibits based on educational needs. It also features guided questions for educators to use during the tour and take-home activities for students.
Maria spent the summer interning at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP), archiving and digitizing documents connected to the city’s water supply. Tasked with preserving historical documents, including architectural drawings and photographs, her dedication and enthusiasm secured her continued involvement with the department throughout the fall as she was tasked with organizing their reference library.
Maria dedicated a year between her undergraduate and graduate studies to service in East St. Louis, IL., where she served as a teacher’s aide in Catholic schools. Her fellow service companions, many of whom were affiliated with the Daughters of Charity, shared a common bond of being students or alumni of St. John’s University. It was through these connections that Maria developed an interest in attending the University. The University’s comprehensive dual-degree graduate program solidified her decision to pursue her studies at St. John’s. On campus, Maria is a member of the Campus Ministry choir and a graduate assistant for Kristin M. Szylvian, Ph.D., Director, Public History program, and Associate Professor, Department of History.
“I am blessed—and I do not use the word lightly—by having Maria Wood as a student in the dual-degree program and as my graduate assistant,” said Dr. Szylvian. “She has distinguished herself in the classroom and gained valuable, field-based learning experience as an intern with the National Park Service at Ellis Island and the City of New York. Smart, creative, insightful, and enthusiastic, she fosters a sense of teamwork and shared experience among the students, administrators, staff, and faculty. Maria has impressive writing and digital communication skills—and a voice like an angel, too.”
Originally from Appleton, WI, she has gained considerable experience since moving to New York and attending St. John’s. Her academic achievement and internships have formed a solid foundation for her professional career. As a result of her time at Ellis Island working in curriculum development, Maria has realized that is the career she wants to pursue. Currently interning at the Intrepid Museum, she works with schools directly in providing tours, developing curriculum and materials, and promoting the importance of history.
“Get to know your professors—they can provide you with great connections—and immerse yourself in the city’s culture,” Maria said. “Take the subway and explore!”
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