Cici Becker (image provided by Cici Becker)
The Oregon Folklife Network regularly hosts Graduate Student Interns who are a part of the Masters in Folklore program at the University of Oregon. Below is an interview highlight of a recent graduate.
How did Oregon Folklife Network help you develop your skills, talents, and identity as a folklorist?
“I attended the University of Oregon for a Masters in Folklore. My terminal project involved website design and editing, and I needed to learn some website editing skills to move my project forward. OFN was serendipitously in the process of moving its website from one platform to another and could use some assistance. So, it was a no-brainer for me to reach out to OFN and see if I could help them both in this process and learn the skills I needed for my project. And I am so glad I reached out!
Working at OFN was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I learned so much about the public side of folklore that I hadn’t focused on much during my course selections, and I got to work on some very interesting projects with the best people. I learned something new every day at the OFN office!”
How do you practice as a folklorist in your current job position or day-to-day life?
“I just started my new job as a Veteran Service Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have family who are currently serving in the military, and I am sensitive to the unique culture and traditions that come with being a part of the military. I want to highlight the accomplishments and culture of our military-connected students and create programs that would help create a community for our military-connected students. I think there is a lot I can do in the future within this position and as a folklorist to assist my students.”
If you are interested in learning more about the University of Oregon’s Graduate Studies in Folklore and Public Culture Program, or about how the Oregon Folklife Network’s office operates, contact ofn@uoregon.edu or call (541) 346-3820.