ABOUT ME

Hello Everyone!

My name is Matthew Photides, and I am a third year student at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Secondary Education and History. I am incredibly humbled to be part of the Honor's Program here at UC, and I hope this opportunity will continue to further my goal of being a well-rounded global student.

A Little About Me!

I grew up in Yellville, Arkansas, and spent more time in the woods or fishing than I did in the classroom (I have become a much better student by the way). My small-town education ensured that as long as I had my work done, I was able to explore, read, and grow up in the outdoors, which has led to a lifelong obsession with nature, photography, and traveling. Fortunately, my time in the Air Force following high school and the subsequent years I spent backpacking allowed me to see more places than I ever dreamed and expand both my curiosity and communication skills. As a side note, I also worked as a tower climber for telecommunications, and I found that I am, most assuredly, not afraid of heights.  The expansion into the American West and the relationship between settlers and market hunting holds a particular fascination for me, and I am currently looking at grad schools for a professional degree in Environmental History. If you are interested in this topic as well, I highly recommend that you read American Buffalo: In Search of an American Icon by Steven Rinella.