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Thomas Keith
Why fellowship support is valuable
Fellowships are valuable because, in my case, the fellowship money has freed me from financial worries such as the necessity of holding a job; therefore, I have been able to concentrate upon my studies exclusively and to focus all my energies upon becoming the best scholar possible.
Why I chose Chicago
Aside from Chicago’s sterling reputation in graduate education generally, its excellent offerings in both classical studies and Ancient Near Eastern studies are matched by no other university in the United States. As a student with strong interests in both these fields, I felt that Chicago would be an excellent location for my intellectual development.
Plans for the future
Upon completing my PhD, I plan to pursue a career in teaching, ideally at a small liberal arts college in which I can devote my time primarily to the teaching of undergraduates. It is my hope that I will be able to instill in future generations of American students an appreciation for the rich heritage of the ancient world and thereby to keep the field of classics alive and vibrant.
About myself
I enjoy the learning of foreign languages, history (especially military, social, and economic), and literature of every description; besides my primary studies in the literary products of the ancient world, I also am deeply interested in the history of fantastic literature (the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and horror) and its historical development in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. I also enjoy singing and music of all kinds, particularly Baroque instrumental music and Italian opera.
