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Bluefield College prides itself on preparing innovative learners through the integration of liberal arts and career-oriented studies, but that student transformation does not always occur in the classroom.

June 1, 2009

     Just ask Bluefield College senior history major Amanda Davis, who's living American history through a summer internship as a pioneer farmer at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate in northern Virginia.
     For 10 weeks, June 1 through August 7, Davis is living and working on the historical estate, an original landmark that sits high above the Potomac River with a stunning view of the Maryland shore and that is filled with 18th-century treasures.
     As one of only four college students across the country to be selected for the prestigious internship, Davis is serving as a third-person historical interpreter for tours of the Mount Vernon Mansion, Washington's Distillery, the Pioneer Farm and Gardens, and the Museum and Education Center.
    "I'm dressed in a late-18th century costume and working with tools from the same era," said Davis, a rising senior from Tazewell, Virginia. "I'm even living on Washington's estate in the regent's quarters for the duration of the internship."
     She's enjoying a spectacular view of the Potomac River from the Mansion's piazza, while taking in the four gardens that showcase heirloom plants from the late 1700s and landscape designs by Washington himself that stand as the last living witnesses of the president's lifetime.
     "He's definitely my hero," said Davis, who found out about the internship while doing research on Washington for a BC history class. "His ambition and leadership are unparalleled."
         "He's definitely my hero," said Davis, who found out about the internship while doing research on Washington for a BC history class. "His ambition and leadership are unparalleled."
     She's learning how Washington's Distillery works and the role it played in his entrepreneurial farming operation. She's also taking in 23 theatre and gallery experiences at the Museum and Education Center, many with interactive technology that illuminate the detailed story of Washington's life. And, down on the Pioneer Farm, she's touring Washington's 16-sided treading barn and taking part in hands-on history exhibits.
     "Working on the farm is tough," said Davis, "but I love being here at Mount Vernon. I've made so many wonderful friends, and I'm learning more about General Washington than I ever could have dreamed. This has truly been the opportunity of a lifetime."
     In addition to what she's learning and sharing on the tours, Davis is interacting with teachers from around the country attending Mount Vernon's teachers' institutes. She's participating in lectures and field trips that are part of the institute.
     "It's a very high honor," said Davis about her summer study award. "My parents are proud, and Dr. (Thomas) Kinney (BC associate professor of history) is very pleased, and I've received a lot of support from the Bluefield College community."
     Davis is double majoring in history and exercise and sports science at BC. She's also president of the Student Government Association and a member of the business organization Phi Beta Lambda and the honor society Alpha Chi.

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