Torri Brouhard – Montclair History Center Internship

History major Torri Brouhard (Class of 2017) completed an internship at the Montclair History Center. During her time there, she helped to curate an exhibit titled “Tango through Time: Capturing Montclair History through Vincent Tango.”

Evolving studies and career aspirations

Brouhard started at Montclair State as a music major but soon decided it wasn’t for her. Instead, “I chose history because it was something I had always been passionate about,” she said.

Brouhard initially wanted to become a teacher but later decided to pursue work in museums or a historical society with an aim to work with documents and artifacts.

Responsive faculty that makes learning fun

In her classes, she particularly enjoyed studying with Dawn Hayes and adjunct professor Alexander Clemente. “They are passionate about the subject matter they teach and are always willing to help out their students in anyway they can. They made sitting in two and half hour lectures fun, with lots of laughing and great discussion. They both challenged their students to think on their own, formulate their own thoughts and views on the material presented as long as we can back up our thoughts with evidence.”

Advice for other students

When asked about advice for other students, Brouhard advised: “The best way to take advantages of the opportunities on campus is to talk. Talk to your professors, talk to the various resources such as career services, global education, etc. The more you talk to people the more they see you care and are willing to help you find opportunities or extend you the opportunity to take part in research, or jobs that will give the experience of a lifetime, and even more willing to help you when you are struggling with their class.”

Brouhard graduated in May 2017 with a history major and minors in both anthropology and music. She also participated in extracurricular activities including: Alpha Phi Omega National Co-ed Service Fraternity, Order of Omega Greek Honors Society, Phi Alpha Theta History Honors Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honors Society, Symphonic Band, and a History Department Peer Mentor.