James Gresock, left, bids a farewell to Prague with a river cruise on the Vltava.
By Cecilia Ellis ’17
James Gresock ’15 came to Ohio University in the fall of 2011 expecting to study athletic training.
All it took was a few classes and trips around the world to entirely change his life plan.
He graduated in the spring of 2015 with a degree in History.
Travel has always been on his agenda. But hailing originally from Massachusetts, he had little idea just how far he would go during his academic career.
Studying Eastern European History—in Prague
By his sophomore year, it was history courses that captured Gresock’s interest. Specifically Soviet history taught by Dr. Steven Miner, which sparked his interest in eastern European nations.
Changing majors can seem like an intimidating and daunting process, but taking the leap is important. When asked about advice for students considering something new, Gresock said, “My biggest piece of advice is to not be worried if what you thought you would be studying going into college doesn’t work out. Most college students change majors at some point. Your advisers are there to help you make the most of your college education and can make the process a breeze.”
And changing majors also can lead to…study abroad and graduate school.
Gresock sporting an OHIO t-shirt at the Berlin Wall.
During his junior year, Gresock went to Prague to study central European history.
The breadth of the culture and history of a place exponentially older than the 200-year old United States impacted Gresock.
“The people of the Czech Republic live in a vibrant culture underpinned by a long and storied history, but at the same time they have had to live caught between oppressive forces. Walking through the streets of Prague you can see the cultural effects oppression has had. I felt that it was with experiences with tangible history that reality can be the most striking.
“The labor camp at Vojna, through which we were led by a man who had lost 18 years of his life there, was particularly memorable.”
During his semester abroad in Prague, Gresock also traveled to Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, and the Netherlands. Then he studied abroad again over his senior year spring break in Rome with and the “Piety and Power” program.
“I share many memories with the wonderful group of students in my study abroad program, but my favorite are those I share with only myself. From navigating local transit and successfully receiving a haircut from a Czech language hair salon, to writing one of my course papers with a view of Prague Castle as the sun sets over the Vltava. My experiences in Prague helped me learn that, while good friends are a blessing, individual experiences are priceless….
“My biggest piece of advice is to do it. The university provides so many great opportunities and they might be experiences you will never be offered again. Even if you think you can’t do it, either for financial reasons or that you don’t think you can do it and still graduate on time, meet with an adviser and discuss it! There are so many helpful scholarships that can make the trip affordable, and I was able to go abroad twice, change majors, and still graduate in four years.
“My second piece of advice is to go somewhere that does not speak English. It can humble you and help you grow as a person. Living in a foreign country is an invaluable opportunity to be immersed in another language as well as its culture.”
And Pursing a Master’s in Budapest
The trip was so influential, Gresock decided to base his master’s degree around it. He embarks this fall on a two-year journey at the Central European University in Budapest, working toward a master’s in Comparative History from 1500 to present.
Studying history surrounded by artifacts is an incomparable opportunity, especially alongside a global community, he says.
“The university specifically is only a graduate university, meaning it is home to a vast number of academically inclined people from all over the world. I am very excited to see what I can learn from merely being around these sorts of people. Another major draw for me is the opportunity I will have to research something, then likely take a short trip and experience the place I had just learned about in person.”
Gresock (front, center) posing with his study abroad group at the Cesky Krumlov castle.
Gresock was an active member of OHIO’s Club Tennis team for all four years. And his work with the Students Advocating Global Experiences helped set the club on its way to being an officially recognized student organization this fall
Gresock is quick to share his zeal for studying abroad, with two successful trips under his belt, and a two-year commitment to a master’s program in Budapest. But he did admit to missing Athens already.
“I miss the close community feel of Athens. It is such a wonderful town, and I feel like the entire population embodies that friendly atmosphere. A big part of that for me came from my friends and the faculty members who worked tirelessly for my benefit.”
Be sure to check in with the Global Opportunities Office if you’re curious about study abroad programs.
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