Exchange Student, Katie Whelan Expresses Gratitude for a Unique Opportunity at Nipissing University

Back in November, I decided I wanted to extend my academic exchange, from only one semester at Nipissing University to the entire academic year. However, I was advised by my University in Ireland that I would have to meet the requirement of studying a Historiography course, preferably in Irish History, in order to stay for another semester. It’s hard to believe that I would be able to take an Irish History course in Canada, but that is exactly what came to pass. I went to the Head of the History Department, Dr. Katrina Srigley, and asked for her help.

I was met with nothing but kindness, generosity, and an eagerness to help. She assured me that she would do whatever she could to help me stay at Nipissing. Soon after, I was put in touch with Dr. Stephen Connor who has an extensive background in Irish history. Luckily, they were able to put together a module "Efforts to Realize Ideas: Engaging Modern Irish History" for me to study, which allowed me to extend my stay at Nipissing University.

The course itself was unlike any I had ever taken before as it was a directed study, which was basically a discussion/debate with my professor each week on a given topic. Throughout the course, I was forced to think critically about my own history (Irish History) and re-evaluate my preconceived notions on the Irish Struggle for Independence. I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to write a paper for the Undergraduate Research Conference, under the guidance of Dr. Connor, which became a passion project of mine. It has inspired me to pursue a Masters in History when I graduate.

I am very grateful to the History Department at Nipissing University, in particular, Dr. Stephen Connor and Dr. Katrina Srigley for creating this course, which challenged me as a history student and allowed me to stay for another semester in Canada.