Welcome to Rahel who will be with us for seven weeks (6th July – 21st August)
Tell us a little about yourself…
I’m entering my last year at Smith College under the Ada Comstock Scholars Program, which funds mature students pursuing their bachelor’s degrees (students over 24 years old are considered mature students in the U.S.). As a double major in History and African Studies, I research political economy, industrialization, militarism, migration, nationalism, and the Red Sea,
Like other mature students in the U.S., I did not have a linear path to university. I was a barista, a museum visitor services worker, and a social media manager. I learned a lot about how we think and apply history in my jobs (yes, even the barista job!), and I found myself drawn to a career in public humanities. Then I went to a community college to try some classes out, which turned into more classes and more classes and more classes. After working and studying full time for a year, I got my associate’s degree. And now here we are!
What made you choose this placement?
I’m interested in working in museums and archives, and I was encouraged by faculty at my college to consider interning abroad. I came across the RACE Centre while looking at a list of African specialist libraries in the UK. I was drawn to the library’s collaborative model of stewardship and transnational orientation. Manchester is also a well-situated city for research on economic and international history, which has helped me as I prepare to write my honors thesis this fall.
I’m also incredibly fortunate to receive full funding for this internship from the Mellon-Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, the Department of Africana Studies at Smith College, the Smith Student Aid Society, the Office of Multicultural Affairs at Smith College, and the Ada Comstock Scholars Program. As a low-income student, none of this would be possible without the financial support of my college.
What is one thing you hope to learn or achieve during your time with us?
Ironically, I had little experience processing before I started my internship. Needless to say, I have been doing a lot of processing (LOL). It’s fun trying to figure out how and why an object was created.
What has stood out to you so far in your work?
I’m currently working on the library’s U.S. collections, and I was struck by the number of materials that had library stamps or publishing addresses in London and Manchester. It made me think about the journeys these materials took, the hands that crafted them, and the ideas that extended beyond borders.
Any hobbies you want to share?
For almost three years, I’ve been running a college radio show on WOZQ 91.9 dedicated to new, high-energy songs from around the world! I also serve as a music director for the radio station, and I’m excited to curate new releases for our hosts to use on their shows.
What have you enjoyed about Manchester so far and what are you looking forward to experiencing?
I love the people here! Manchester is an incredibly diverse city, and I feel fortunate to have met so many bright people who have such a deep passion for the world around them. I would like to visit Liverpool or Leeds once before I leave!
