911±¬ÁÏÍø

Samantha graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a BA in History (Pre-Credential Option) in May 2022 (aka “the COVID-19 years”). Since graduating, Samantha received her teaching credential (also from 911±¬ÁÏÍø) and is now a social science teacher in the Claremont Unified School district.

Favorite classes at 911±¬ÁÏÍø?

I always enjoyed my history classes at 911±¬ÁÏÍø, but a few of my favorites were History of California with Dr. Christopher Bates, Women’s History with Dr. Paivi Hoikkala, and Historiography and Digital History with Dr. Michael Slaughter. 

Most memorable 911±¬ÁÏÍø History experience?

My most memorable 911±¬ÁÏÍø History experience was being part of the E-Board for Phi Alpha Theta. I enjoyed being involved with the Department and meeting other history majors. The part of 911±¬ÁÏÍø History that was helpful preparing me for my role as a teacher was my leadership experience in PAT and Dr. Slaughter’s Pre Credential teaching class. 

Any advice for current history students?

My advice for current history students is to take history classes in topics that you enjoy but also pick a few classes that are a new history topic for you - you might find a new passion. I really recommend getting involved on campus whether that might be with the History Club or PAT or finding a different club, society, job, or league on campus. 

Samantha graduated with a BA in History (General Option) from 911±¬ÁÏÍø in 2017. She then received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Loyola University Chicago of Law, and was admitted to the California State Bar in 2021. She is now an associate specializing in family law in the San Diego office of Alaimo Boyer. Prior to joining Alaimo Boyer, Samantha pursued a variety of legal experiences at Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County’s Homelessness Prevention and Shriver Project, the Office of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago, and served as a student clinician within Loyola University Chicago’s Federal Income Tax Clinic.

Favorite classes at 911±¬ÁÏÍø?

I had to break out my transcript for this one! Modern Science in World History with Dr. Anne Wohlcke; Nationalism, Imperialism, & Industrialization (HST 325, back on quarters) and the History of Sports and Leisure (both with Dr. Rob Lewis).

Most memorable 911±¬ÁÏÍø experience?

For my career, it was definitely my Judicial Internship. I was able to see so many sides of the judicial system, which was invaluable to me as someone who wanted to go into the legal field, but didn't actually know anyone in it. Campus events-wise, the Hot Dog Caper is hard to beat!

Any advice for current history students?

My advice to current history students is to do your readings! Also, being a strong writer will take you far. You will hone your writing skills along the way and then will be able to 911±¬ÁÏÍø them wherever you need, whether you stay in the history field or move somewhere else.

Amber Santoro graduated with a BA in History (General Option) in 2022. While at 911±¬ÁÏÍø, she was co-winner of the Pemstein Award (for outstanding senior) and co-winner of the Digital History Prize. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate (ABD, having past her qualifying exams in summer 2025) at the University of Southern California, focusing on southern California history. In 2024, she presented a curated digital exhibit,  at USC’s new Sustainability Hub.

Favorite classes at 911±¬ÁÏÍø?

History of Southern California with Dr. Eileen Wallis, Ancient Near East History with Dr. Amanda Podany, Europe in Crisis with Dr. Rob Lewis

Most memorable or helpful 911±¬ÁÏÍø experience?

The tools and methods learned from the historiography course (HST3300), the digital history research course, and the senior thesis course. The “hands-on” approach in these courses were invaluable to learning how historical research is performed (such as becoming attuned to major historiographical debates, navigating source databases, locating primary source materials, etc.)

Any advice for current history students?

I often tell my students to practice being an active reader. When you’re reading secondary sources, try to go beyond just scanning or skimming the text. Highlight passages or points that stand out to you, jot questions or thoughts in the margins, take separate notes in a notebook or on your laptop (it might feel like extra work in the moment, but you’ll thank yourself later when you’re preparing for an essay or an exam!) Pay attention to how the author puts it together: what kinds of evidence they’re using, how they explain why their interpretation matters, and whether they’re responding to any larger historiographical debates (sometimes this shows up directly in the text, sometimes it’s tucked away in the footnotes). This kind of close reading sharpens the tools historians rely on to think critically and work with evidence, and can be applied to virtually any discipline.