History Alumni
Marymount History majors have gone on to a wide variety of careers in the public and private sectors. Here are some examples.
Apasrin Suvanasai
Museum Aide, Office of Historic Alexandria
BA History 2015
As a senior, Apasrin won a competition in a public history course which gave her the opportunity to help curate an exhibit at the Arlington Historical Museum. The experience led her to pursue internships with Alexandria Archaeology and the Baltimore American Indian Center. After graduating from Marymount, she continued to volunteer with both establishments, assisting with educational programs and an oral history project. At the start of 2017, she began her Museum Aide position with the Office of Historic Alexandria: Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, Gadsby’s Tavern, The Lyceum, and Alexandria Archaeology. She absolutely loves the variety of museum operations she gets to assist with and is eager to further her career in public history. Apasrin is the proud mother to a vibrant four year old girl who is an expert in capoeira, ballet, and theater. Quality time includes helping out with their family fine art restoration business and preparing to open a studio in the Gateway Art’s District of Mt. Rainier, MD.
Chris Macomber
“I graduated in 2014 and spent the summer working as a Visitor Assistant at the Newseum. As a history major it was cool to actually work in a museum and interact with folks to deepen their understanding of a topic. Shortly though I realized that I was more interested in government work and still had the potential for law school on my radar.
I started working as a Marshal’s Aide at the Supreme Court in November 2014. My duties ranged day-to-day, but across the 2 years I was there I worked behind the bench during argument, assisted directly in Chambers, and was assigned a variety of logistic, editing, and research duties.The exposure was unrivaled and helped to cement my decision to apply to law school.
Fast forward to now, I have just completed my first year of law school at the University of Virginia School of Law. It is beyond a doubt the most difficult experience I’ve gone through so far. An average week was around 100 – 200 pages of reading coupled with review sessions, various meetings, preparation for a national security moot court competition, drafting 3 appellate briefs, and the occasional softball game (UVA is actually really known for this – we host an invitational every spring).
Since graduating I’ve gone down three relatively standard paths for history majors – museum work, government, and law school. I’ve enjoyed each in varying degrees and ultimately would encourage any fellow history majors to do the same.”
Chesney Rhoades
Secondary Education in History
“Since graduating from Marymount I’ve been teaching at Walsingham Academy, an independent Catholic school in Williamsburg Virginia, for two years. I was fortunate to find this position almost immediately after graduation and I plan on being here for awhile! In my time here I have been able to teach world geography, US History, US government, and ancient and medieval world history to students from 8-12th grade. Now, I get to re-visit the DC area on field trips with my students! In the fall of 2016 I also started the History MA program at Virginia Commonwealth University. I am planning to pursue a thesis in the history of enslaved children in the American south. My time at Marymount certainly prepared me for post-graduate life in the teaching profession and furthering my academic studies.”
J
anine Byas
Senior Program Analyst, Department of State
BA History 2013
@janinebyas
While at Marymount Janine completed an internship at the State Department that ultimately earned her a full time position. Janine is a government contractor in the State Department’s Bureau of International Information Programs. The bureau is at the forefront of change in the Department and leads its communications efforts with foreign publics.
As a Marymount alumna, Janine is a resource to learn about internship opportunities at the State Department. She gives back as a guest speaker in classes and on panels, meets with students at the Department, and mentors them during their service. Janine is a California native, world traveler, fan of Kid President, and undefeated champion of Cards Against Humanity.
Amanda Peacock
BA History 2011
Amanda is Curator of Collections for the Babe Ruth Birthplace and the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards. She began as a summer curatorial intern with the museums during college and volunteered in the curatorial department for four years before joining the staff full time in August 2014. As a Masters in Museum Studies Candidate at Johns Hopkins University, Peacock has focused on museum accessibility and creating a welcoming museum experience for museum visitors with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Prior to joining the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Sports Legends Museum team, she worked as a Program Coordinator for The Arc Carroll County, supporting adults with intellectual disabilities. She also serves on the Board of Directors of The Star Spangled Banner Flag House as Chair of the Collections Committee.
