Devin Williams
Q: Where did you spend your undergraduate career? What was your major?
I graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in foreign affairs.
Q: What are you doing for your M.A. program? Why did you choose CSEEES?
It’s hard to say with certainty so early into the program, but I’d like to keep my regional focus on Central Eastern Europe. More specifically, I’m interested in pursuing topics associated with the current political and cultural relationship between Germany and its Eastern neighbors (the Czech Republic and Poland) with regard to their historical relationship. I also find language enclaves and ethnic minorities particularly interesting, which inevitably expands my regional interest further east. That said, I’m looking forward to studying these issues in greater detail and narrowing my focus as the program moves along. I chose CSEEES because of its small program size and a flexible curriculum structure.
Q: Why did you choose to study this region of the globe? Is there something in particular that attracts you to it?
I have to give credit to my high school I.B. 20th century topics teacher, Richard Austin. His class initially propelled my interest in the cultures, histories, politics and languages of the region. However, the history class on imperial Russia I took freshman year at UVA was probably the defining moment for me. After that course, I knew what my focus would be for the duration of my time as an undergraduate and beyond.
Q: Do you have work and/or study experience in the region?
I have studied in Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic.
Q: What is your thesis topic?
I am not sure yet, but I am leaning towards issues surrounding collective memory in the relationships between Germany and its Eastern neighbors in the post WWII era and post 1989 era.
Q: What types of language experience do you have?
I studied French and German and I am currently learning Czech!
Q: What are some awards and honors you have received?
I was on the Dean’s list for a semester of my undergraduate career. Also, I attended the Global Young Leaders Conference in Prague, Budapest and Vienna in 2005.
Q: What do you like about Carolina?
I like UNC because of the healthy lifestyle it allows for its students. Though expectations for us are extremely high, it’s still possible to have a relaxed, happy and relatively informal academic experience.
Q: When will you graduate? What do you plan to do after graduation?
I plan to graduate in May of 2013. After receiving my masters, I would like to go straight to work. I hope to use my experiences and knowledge gained at UNC to help me build a career as a regional specialist in consulting work.
Q: Are you attending any conferences or symposiums this semester? What are your summer plans?
I’m not sure yet, but the Annual Convention of the Association for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies held in Washington, D.C. seems extremely interesting.
Q: What is your dream job?
One that allows me to travel.
Q: What are your hobbies? What do you like doing in your free time?
Traveling. Anywhere.
Q: Fun facts?
Donkeys are my favorite animals.