Driven by a curiosity about the modern world and the historical forces that continue to shape it, Haley Kurak is building a Michigan State experience centered on research, leadership, and global engagement. As a double major in history and global and international studies, she has explored topics ranging from genocide and human rights to contemporary international issues while taking on leadership roles outside the classroom. In this spotlight, Haley shares how her experiences at MSU have influenced her goals and deepened her passion for history.
What inspired you to pursue majors in History and Global and International Studies?
Through the years, I have been frustrated with the attitude among American students that history is a static, unengaging discipline which requires nothing more than the monotonous memorization of facts and dates. History is a dynamic field of study which truly encompasses everything in what it means to be a human being in the world today! But of course, most students don’t seem to give history enough chances to discover how illuminating and interdisciplinary it really is, so it is left with this reputation of being boring. In choosing to study history, I hope that I can use my passion to push back against this misconception!
Since I am most drawn to contemporary global history and the ongoing impacts of recent major historical developments such as decolonization, I have an additional major in Global and International Studies.
How has being a Social Science Scholar shaped your experience at MSU?
The Social Science Scholars program was THE deciding factor for my commitment to MSU! I am so grateful to have the dedicated space and close-knit community to approach my studies through the lens of not just my areas of interest but also the perspectives of driven classmates who study psychology, economics, political science, and more. Dr. Waller’s level of dedication to mentoring his students truly cannot be found anywhere else on campus! I have been provided so many unique opportunities thanks to the program, and I am always pushed to keep an open mind rather than restrain myself to a singular area.
As a Professorial Assistant (PA), what kind of work have you done, and how has it influenced your goals?
As a PA under Dr. Siddharth Chandra, I have had the privilege to work with him on demographic and historical research on the mass violence which occurred in Indonesia in the 1960s. This research opportunity has had an immense impact on how I envision my future, my interests, my goals… studying the horrifying experiences of innocent people under a genocide has instilled in me the aspiration to work in international development and human rights research and advocacy.
Any History professors who have made a lasting impact on you so far?
Last semester, I took Dr. Sean Forner’s course on Modern European History to satisfy one of my general History major requirements. However, I decided to take on an Honors Option project of writing a historiographical research paper, and this allowed me to work closely with Dr. Forner over the course of the semester on a project that was meaningful to me. Thanks to his guidance, I have walked away from a course that I did not expect to be excited about with not just an essay which I am proud of, but also the new confidence to use these skills as I move forward in my studies as a history major.
What extracurriculars, clubs, networks, etc. are you involved in?
Because I love to dance and choreograph, I decided last year to join CTRL+A, an Asian-Interest dance organization which is an affiliate of APASO. I felt so welcomed into the supportive community created by this club that I now serve as the Performance Chair on the Executive Board as I want to pay forward the kindness I was met with last year all while continuing to share my passions with others. (Come to our Fall Showcase on Saturday, November 21!)
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I would like to gain a few years of experience working in international development (especially with respect to human rights), whether that means with an NGO, a supranational organization, the federal government… wherever things may take me! Eventually, I want to continue my studies in history through graduate school and perhaps even work as a professor and researcher later in my career.
What advice would you give to incoming students who want to get the most out of their MSU experience?
Maybe you have to declare a “major,” but that doesn’t mean you become pigeonholed into one field! Keep your mind open to any and all opportunities and experiences because you never know how they may shape your interests and values, how they may open new doors for the future, or how they may allow you to meet incredible people and make meaningful connections. Don’t be afraid to apply yourself and seek out opportunities, but at the same time, make sure to go with the flow and do not ignore unexpected things that may fall into your lap.
If you could time travel to any historical moment or era, where would you go and why?
As a woman of the 21st century, I would love to travel back to the witch crazes of early colonial America to show the hysterical men that they really had no idea how far women were yet to come in asserting their strength, independence, and agency and that the social progress of some women which they perceived as a threat would really pale in comparison to the lives that women lead today (and even today we’re still fighting for proper representation and respect!)