Nina Ehrlich McCaskill, B.A. 2006
High school history teacher turned stay-at-home mom – Littleton Colorado
2006 Major: History
How has being a History graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?
"My path to teaching stemmed from wonderful classes and professors at Duke. After graduating with honors, I pursued an MA in History at Colorado State University where I was named the Outstanding Graduate Student in 2011. Since then, I spent seven years teaching at two high schools in the Denver Metro area. My favorite class was AP United States History, which my students loved. Now I’ve paused my career and turned my passion for teaching towards my own children (ages 2 and 9 months), as I am their stay-at-home mom. I truly believe I am their first and most important teacher and can’t wait to see them grow into big thinkers and good citizens."
What advice would you give students in Duke's History programs?
"Believe in your passion. Duke History grads become teachers, lawyers, doctors, judges, policymakers, politicians, parents, and so much more. The skills you learn in liberal arts will stick with you for life and will serve you in any career path you choose. Take time to get to know your professors—they are true gems. Enjoy the time you have to study, learn, and grow as a person while you study the past, for surely you will shape the future."
