Some Recent Majors

Why Classics: I am in my eighth year of learning Latin, and I’ve always loved the eloquence of the language. I am also studying to pursue a career in medicine one day, and I believe Classics is the foundation of my education. I firmly believe that loving medicine is to innately care for people and culture. What I’m learning now gets to the heart of the evolution of medicine and of people over centuries.

Why Classics: I started learning Latin as a young girl, and although at the time I despised the proverbial 'dead' language, I completely fell in love with it the longer I spent with it. Ancient history and culture affects so much of modern-day life in ways many would not even notice, and I was completely fascinated by the myriad of connections. Classical studies are truly interdisciplinary: excellent writing skills, balance and mastery of several languages, anthropological studies, and history. I chose Classics not only because I love it, but it challenges me. I have personal relationships with every single Classics professor and that is truly a unique opportunity in college.

Why Classics: The timelessness of the Classics is the essence of my passion for the ancient world. Sentiments expressed by ancient poets remain profound and compelling in our own time. The Classics continue to inspire authors, such as Dante and C.S. Lewis, who dare to add a twist of flair to the original tales. The Classics embody the continuity of the human experience. Homer and Vergil's laments for war and the pity of war are as insightful today as they were several thousand years ago.

Why Classics: After almost 10 years studying Latin, I can't really imagine my life without it. Classics has given me a love for language, art, culture, and history that I don't think I could've acquired anywhere else.

Why Classics: I have been taking Latin since middle school and Ancient Greek since high school, and I have continued these pursuits through a Classics Major at UVa. By inhabiting these antiquated authors’ minds every time I embark on a new text, I am able to acquire entirely new ways of thinking, arguing, and presenting information. Reading Latin and Greek is a cathartic experience that allows me to develop my critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Why Classics: I’m studying classics in preparation for a hopeful career in academic theology. I suppose that’s not the most orthodox reason for being a classics major…or perhaps it is… Either way, I realized somewhere around my senior year of high school that a good basis in classics was invaluable for handling sacred texts. So here I am!

Why Classics: Nerd alert! I just love grammar so much. There's nothing I'd rather study than ancient languages, and it's wonderful to be part of such a small, cohesive department full of like-minded students and professors.

Why Classics: Latin has always been a passion of mine, and I was so excited to come to UVA and find that our Classics Department offered such interesting classes.

Why Classics: I'm interested in studying the New Testament in Greek, and so I decided to round out my knowledge of the Greek language and culture by majoring in it.

Why Classics: I have long held an interest in Latin (and to a lesser degree Greek) as the root of many European languages, something that seems especially important now that I have begun to study the Middle Ages, and I have come to recognize ancient literature and history as similarly foundational.

Why Classics: I have been fascinated by the culture and language since I was first introduced in middle school.

Why Classics: I have taken Latin since seventh grade and it slowly grew on me -- the ancient texts we get to read are the best part.