Introduction

Hello Everyone,


My name is Luke Arends and I am currently in my Junior year. I am double majoring in both History and Criminal Justice and plan on attending Law School following my undergraduate studies here at MSU.  When I came to Michigan State I had no intention of becoming a history major, but ultimately chose to pursue something that I truly love studying. My experience of history at Michigan State has been great.  I have taken both History 202 and 203 which are both focus solely on the United  States.  As I progress more into my major I am excited to learn other periods of history. The period of history which I find most intriguing is the American Civil War and Reconstruction.


And now onto a more personal note.  I grew up in the small town of Sparta, Michigan which is located ten miles north of Grand Rapids.  Sparta is predominately a farming community with an abundance of apple farmers. In the past I have never studied my own community and its relation to the farming community but hope to learn more as I am looking to my hometown as the focus of my research in this class. I am excited to get this semester underway and learn all there is to know about labor history!