Avery Gessner and the Great Historical Journey
Avery Gessner grew up watching Indiana Jones movies with his father and even during those early childhood moments, he knew he was hooked on history. His mother had a passion for art history in university which is another reason Avery feels he鈥檚 always had a connection to the field. Four years ago Avery decided to turn that passion into a degree by enrolling in CBU鈥檚 Bachelor of Arts program with a focus in History. Now, with graduation only a year away, Avery says he鈥檚 glad he made the financially savvy choice to stay close to home for his undergraduate degree.聽
Avery believes one of the main reasons he enjoys his time at CBU so much is the connections he has made with his professors, especially Associate Professor of History, Dr. Scott Moir; Assistant Professor of Gender History, Dr. Julia Rombough; and Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Dr. Andy Parnaby. 鈥淚nitially I was actually quite nervous about going to university because I had this fear that my professors would be pretentious or arrogant,鈥� Avery admits. 鈥淚 thought they would act like the professors portrayed in Hollywood films.鈥� Thankfully Avery says the professors at CBU are so down to earth and supportive that they will go out of their way to help students succeed. What makes his professors so special, Avery says, is their approachability. 鈥淚 have such a strong respect for them as educators, but I can also sit down and have a normal conversation with them,鈥� he explains.
In addition to his developments in the classroom, Avery restarted the Historical Society in 2019 after the original society had closed before his arrival to CBU. He says it鈥檚 been one of the best things he鈥檚 ever done. 鈥淥ne of the events we would hold before the pandemic was something called 鈥榊ou Be the Professor鈥�,鈥� he shares. 鈥淪omeone would host a discussion or informal presentation about a historical subject that they enjoy on a personal level, but that may not be taught in class.鈥� It鈥檚 an opportunity for history-lovers to get together and share their expertise while expanding their own knowledge of the field. When COVID-19 forced the society online, Avery says he and Vice-President Shaundra McPherson took things to the digital world. 鈥淲e adapted by creating a Facebook group, having virtual movie nights and hosting digital guest presentations,鈥� says Avery. 鈥淚t was a great way to stay connected during the pandemic but I can鈥檛 wait to sit in a classroom with my peers again.鈥澛�
When online learning first began, Avery admits it took him a while to adjust. 鈥淲orking out of my basement is something I never thought I’d have to do,鈥� Avery says. 鈥淏ut on the plus side it’s been funny to see this other side of my professors and remember they鈥檙e normal people with their own homes, families and lives.鈥� Avery says the highlight of online learning has definitely been all of the guest appearances by professors鈥� cats and dogs. 鈥淚t helped distract us from that feeling of uncertainty and stress we were experiencing,鈥� he explains. 鈥淪pecial shout out to Julia鈥檚 puppy Billie who made a few special appearances.鈥澛�
In addition to the support he received from his professors and peers, Avery says his parents have been instrumental to his educational journey thus far. 鈥淭hey always know how to alleviate the normal anxieties I鈥檓 facing when assignments and exams start to pile up,鈥� he says. 鈥淭hey鈥檝e helped me so much throughout this experience and I don鈥檛 know where I鈥檇 be without them.鈥澛犅犅犅犅�
For any students who are thinking about coming to CBU, Avery says it鈥檚 the perfect place to get your footing and feel supported throughout your program. He adds that the money he鈥檚 been able to save by staying in his hometown will give him an advantage in the coming years. For Avery, he hopes his next and final year at CBU will bring even more memories, new experiences and friends. With aspirations of becoming a Museum Curator someday, Avery feels confident that his time at CBU will set him up for success.聽
If studying history at CBU sounds like the right path for you, click here.聽
If you are interested in joining the Historical Society, please contact cbuhistoricalsociety@gmail.com