Doors Open Wide: Meet History Major Jacob Madsen
Jacob Madsen is a History major and Art History minor at JCU. He is the Vice President of the History & Humanities Society, and part of the Performing Arts Company.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Napa Valley, California, and ended up moving to Idaho when I started high school. That is also where I got my associate’s degree, which is the equivalent of two years of college. I have always been very focused on academics. You could always find me in the library. I also love to travel. I have been to Nepal, Peru, Mexico, Qatar… and now I’m here. It was a drastic change of scenery for me, but I didn’t experience many culture shocks because, having traveled a lot, I was used to these kinds of variations. I guess that my biggest struggle at the beginning was the language barrier, but I am getting better.
What made you decide to study at JCU?
My decision was mostly based on the major I wanted to do, which is History, and Rome is history itself. In particular, I like studying the medieval period. Rome is very well connected to the rest of Europe, which makes it easy to go to different cities and see how their medieval history compares. Finally, I wanted to experience college out of the United States. A new culture, a new language, little everyday things, and changes in your routine that you have to get used to all over again. It has been challenging for me, but I like challenges.
What inspired your choice to major in history and minor in art history?
History is something that I have always been interested in. In my spare time, I like playing video games that relate to history. I would say I am a bit of a nerd. Even while I’m working, I go on YouTube and play videos about different historical topics in the background. As for Art History, at first, I had never even considered it as a possibility. Then, in my third year of high school, I took a basic, first-level, art history survey course, and that got me extremely interested in the field. That is when I began thinking that I wanted to incorporate it into my studies, and Rome is obviously the perfect place to do so.
You’re part of the Performing Arts Company. How did you discover your passion for acting?
I have done performing arts for as long as I can remember. I love musical theater as well, and it is something that I have incorporated into who I am and that I hope to keep doing. I loved playing Lord Voldemort in Puffs by Matt Cox last Spring. It was a really fun character to play because I got to mess around with how he acted and interact with the audience by going directly into it. It was a great experience, and I enjoyed every part of it. Unfortunately, I am not doing theater this semester due to time commitments, but I hope to start again next Spring.
You co-founded the History & Humanities Society. Tell us about your role in it and why you started it.
I am the Vice President of the club. It started when my friends and I wanted a place for all the History and Humanities students to come together and interact with each other, outside of classes as well. We also aim to show students that there are plenty of career opportunities that come with this kind of degree. Generally, there is a large misconception that a history and humanities degree will not get you a job, but that is just because people don’t realize the variety of options outside of academia, which is a highly competitive environment.
As far as our future projects, we collaborate a lot with other clubs, like the Queer Alliance and the Board Games club, and we will continue to do so in the future. We have a lecture coming up, and we are also planning a visit to the Villa Farnesina museum right next door to JCU. One of our goals is to help students explore Rome as much as possible while they’re here, as well as the rest of Italy or Europe.
What advice would you give to someone who wishes to study abroad but is nervous about leaving their home country?
I would say just go and do it. First of all, Rome is culturally rich. It has existed for over 2000 years, and it offers lots of opportunities regarding history. You will also have the chance to encounter a different culture, and potentially learn another language, which can change your entire worldview and get you out of your comfort zone. One of the biggest reasons why I would encourage everyone to go to JCU is that you can step out of where you are now and experience new things.
You’re going to graduate next spring. What are your plans for the future?
I am hoping to continue in academia. I want to go to grad school, which I am probably going to do in the US and pursue a doctorate in history. I would love to work either as a professor, being able to do my own research, or in a museum environment, to teach people about specific exhibitions. I would be content to stay in Europe or Rome: my doors are open to anywhere.
