How History Informs the Present

A 2012 History and Political Thought graduate, Richard reflects on examining information, understanding counter arguments, and dedication.

What led you to Concordia University Irvine?

I was disappointed with the secular high schools and colleges I had enrolled in before and wanted to pursue a more education-focused institution like Concordia.

What influenced the choice of your major?

History was the most interesting subject to me and aligned with my long term plans of being a part-time teacher.

Where have you experienced growth as a student?

Being a history major taught me how to examine information and writers far more carefully, how to extract key elements of information, and illuminated the proper angles to study events and key issues.

What sticks with you from Enduring Questions & Ideas?

Understanding the counter-arguments and reasoning of an opponent and designing rebuttals to challenge their views.

What do you consider your greatest achievement so far?

Meeting and marrying my wife Daniella.

How do you define vocation?

A transferable skill a person has that can be applied in various industries and work settings.   

What is one thing you have most valued about your time at Concordia?

The dedication and passion the faculty and students have toward learning and understanding ideas in our fields.

What is your favorite Concordia tradition?

Studying with classmates for a mid-term or final inside one of the Grimm Hall classrooms, and writing all over the boards in the room as an exercise to better retain the material.

Who are your heroes in real life?

On a personal level, my heroes would be my father Richard and mother Maria. They never stopped being loving parents and gave me and my sisters what we needed to have successful lives.

Outside my personal life, my top hero would be Ron Paul, a medical doctor, former congressman, and tv show host who shared plans and ideas on how Americans can more easily experience economic prosperity and encouraged us to focus more on our fellow Americans.