Hayley Lerner '09 has created a recipe for her own success. She has a mound of personal interest in 20th Century American History and more than a spoonful of cooking talent. She says she wants to open a café. "I have a vision. My café doesn't have any particular culture of food but is more a culinary history of food in America."
 
Lerner's study of History, and a keen eye for emails from the Knox Center for Career and Pre-Professional Development,  led her to an internship at PBS affiliate WTVP in Peoria. In line with the Ken Burns' production of the World War II documentary The War, the local station produced stories of local citizens and their contributions made toward the war effort. "I love Ken Burns' work, and my favorite part of history is 20th century America. I like looking at small towns as opposed to big events or cities or famous people. Getting the chance to hear these personal stories made it really interesting," she says.

Lerner says the few days she spent interviewing people in a nursing home were some of the most interesting days of her life. From listening to a 102 year old former professor of music who yields a violin and tells his heartbreaking memory of seeing his friend executed, to the light hearted story of a love interest of Amelia Earhart who flew airplanes with his "gal pal," Lerner says she was amazed at how 60 years later she was caught up in the moment of their stories. 

"It was a great learning experience, being so interested in 20th century history and getting to hear about the other sides of these events. It was wonderful," she says.

Her interest in history dates back to when she was five years old reading historical accounts of American Girl doll characters. "I had every doll and read all of the books. I should have known then that I would be a history major." 

Lerner imagines a career combining creative writing and history to form her own American Girl-like company. "Mine would be more about the history of the 20th century America," she says.

She came to Knox College with every intention of pursuing a degree in theatre and creative writing. "I wanted to be a famous actress. Who doesn't want to be a famous actress in high school?"  But, the more history classes she took, the more Lerner saw how much she loved it.

As a prospective student, Lerner was immediately attracted to the sense of camaraderie she found on the Knox College campus. "I noticed that everyone greeted everyone else. I want to keep that. I don't want to leave Knox behind."

For now, while she lets her career set aside and rise, Lerner looks at many possibilities for her future. "I would love to work in a museum or do something with history education. However writing historical books is a big thing too. There are many jobs in public television, smaller museums, or independent writing or independent research, or I could even write coffee table books for my café. I love coffee table books."

History curriculum

Center for Career and Pre-Professional Development