Ditmore challenges self to do more
Alison Ditmore is a junior majoring in Classics and Linguistics. The Charlotte native has challenged herself with a heavy course load throughout her time at UNC, studying Greek and, in particular, Latin. Below, the winner of the Manson Stewart scholarship tells us a little bit more about herself.
Q.
Why are you studying Classics at UNC?
A.
When I study Classics, I am learning how to approach a problem with determination and creativity. Classics teach me how to learn and how to think critically. By studying and translating ancient languages that force us to think differently than we might in English, we can learn to combine mental flexibility and precision. From the histories of Herodotus to the comedies of Plautus, students of the Classics can draw upon ancient literature to understand the world from a perspective greater than their personal experiences. Classical literature encourages me to relate to its characters while contemplating the complex philosophical and political arguments going on right beneath the surface, arguments that remain relevant today.
Q.
What has been one of your favorite memories of studying Classics at UNC and why?
A.
I have loved being a part of the Latin Poetry Reading Group through the years. I joined when I was still learning some of the basics of Latin pronunciation and my scansion was very slow, and it’s wonderful to lead the group now. However, it was a delightfully open and welcoming atmosphere, and I love reading ancient poetry aloud and being able to participate in and contemplate the ancient oral tradition.
Q.
What has been your favorite course in the department and why?
A.
So far, I’ve really enjoyed the Latin course on Roman Elegy. It was a magnificent, advanced class taught by Prof. James in which we were able to read a great deal of Latin and discuss it in depth with a small class of very dedicated students. The intricacies of the poetry were absolutely fascinating, and I loved the chance to explore it in such an amazing setting. While we were exceptionally lucky to have such a great student-teacher ratio, I have loved UNC’s (and especially the Classics department’s) small class sizes for classes in which we learn about, read, and discuss literature.
Q.
Overall, what has been your biggest accomplishment at UNC and why?
A.
I’m glad to say that I haven’t shied away from a heavy course load, and I’ve been rewarded with opportunities to learn so much from our superb professors. Especially in the Classics department, taking multiple courses at once has enabled and encouraged me to draw connections between literatures of different times and languages, archaeology, art history, and even other topics.
Q.
What is next for you?
A.
I’m looking forward to my senior theses projects next year in Classics and Linguistics. In Linguistics, I’ll be researching the areal semantics of the faunal nomenclature in Tigrinya. While I am still somewhat undecided about my thesis topic in Classics, I look forward to reading and thinking critically about gender dynamics and women’s speech in ancient literature. In the meantime, I can’t wait to work with Prof. Haggis this summer on the project at Azoria in Crete.