Angela Michelle Bolger, ’09
Major
Literature & Languages (MA)
Current Employment & Volunteer Work
- Fairfax County Public Library Page
- Volunteer Researcher, the Virginia Room, City of Fairfax Regional Library
- Volunteer Genealogist, the Civil War Interpretive Center at the Historic Blenheim Site
- Volunteer Museum Worker, Fairfax Museum and Visitors’ Center
- Volunteer, the Information Desk, City of Fairfax Regional Library
What have you been up to since you were a student at Marymount?
After leaving Marymount University, I received a full tuition scholarship to the Catholic University of America to earn a Master’s Degree in Library Science. Part of this scholarship entailed working full-time in the Reference Department at CUA’s Mullen Library. Since graduating from CUA, I have been doing paging work at the George Mason Regional Library, a branch of Fairfax County. I also have been volunteering at different sites. I do research in the Virginia Room: I am currently updating a packet of information for children entitled “Crafts and Trades of Colonial Virginia.” I enjoy working at both the Information Desk and at Fairfax Museum because I like the contact with the public. These positions enable me to find new and inventive ways to answer questions, whether they are about a current exhibit or advice on what a patron might like to read. Right now, my one true love is doing genealogical work at the Historic Blenheim. I have been researching the Willcoxon and Farr families, two prominent families who lived in Fairfax circa the Civil War. I have a wonderful mentor who has guided me, but also has allowed me to learn things on my own.
What are you working on now and what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of learning to love books and making a life out of it…from studying literature to Library Science to History and Genealogy. I think it is amazing how our interests develop and grow.
How did your experience at Marymount impact these things?
Marymount University was my beginning. I just wanted to read and write and learn; but, while at MU, I worked in the library, which started the ball rolling. I found that books were not just for literary purposes, but that books hold a wealth of information concerning all of the dynamics of life. So much information has been written down, and we have a lifetime to just scratch the surface.
What are your future career, service, or other goals?
One of my future goals is to get my PhD in a combination of history and literature. In May I will be interviewed by a professor from North Carolina State University for a full tuition scholarship. My other goals include securing a position as a Librarian and taking my genealogical research to an advanced level.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering a career in your field?
If you are a student considering getting an M.A. in Literature and Languages, I want you to know that it is a solid base from which to learn writing and analytical skills which are important in the job arena, as well as important for going further in your education. But…the most important thing…is beginning a lifetime learning the amazing power of books.
