Not really knowing what to study at university, Hanna Fantin (BA '22) chose the University of Lethbridge as a place to start fresh in a new city. After falling in love with a major she selected by chance and a Department filled with faculty who truly care about students, Hanna continues her journey with a master’s in history.
To be perfectly honest, history was an arbitrary choice — I enjoyed the idea of it, but I figured I'd probably change majors once I started the semester. Luckily for me, I instantly fell in love with the discipline. I am just beginning my MA in History, and I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
Meet Hanna | Curious. Persistent. Kind.
Program: Master of Arts | Major: History
What is your research based on? What unique opportunities do you get by taking part in this research?
My current SSHRC-funded research examines the history of childhood and girlhood, explicitly focused on child-created sources produced on a family's ranching operation in the early twentieth century. I am constantly amazed by the young voices in my sources, and I will never stop learning from them. I'm very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the Institute for Childhood and Youth Studies (co-chaired by my fantastic supervisor, Dr. Kristine Alexander) and and to have shared my work at the Canadian History of Education Association (CHEA) conference in Victoria.
What is your most memorable ULethbridge experience?
I don't have a specific memorable experience here at the University of Lethbridge but a collection of good memories. Most notably, the support I have received from the Department of History has been immense. It is incredibly clear that they care for their students' experiences here at the university, and they inspire me and my cohort to continue learning, questioning and creating.
What are your hopes/plans for the future?
I'd love to find a way to share my passion for history, whatever form that may take. I also plan to continue building my army of cats.
What advice would you like to give those who are about to begin their journey at ULethbridge?
Please get to know and learn from the students and professionals around you; it makes a world of difference. I am so grateful for my time here, which is entirely due to the connections I've made with so many incredible, passionate, and kind people.
Hanna Fantin is an enthusiastic and dedicated student whose historical research about girls and ranching is breaking new ground. Dr. Kristine Alexander, Department of History, nominated Hanna as a Shining Student.
About Shining Students
Shining Students engage inside and outside of the classroom. What makes a student shine may differ from person to person, but they all share a passion for learning. They may be top students, involved in an innovative project, participating in ground-breaking research, playing Pronghorn athletics, fighting for social issues or all of the above! When students find something they enjoy and combine it with what they are good at, they shine.
Each year, the Faculty of Arts & Science's faculty and staff nominate students who exemplify the ULethbridge student spirit. Congratulations Hanna!