My name is Jackson Coombs, and I’m a fourth-year History major at the University of Virginia, originally from Richmond, Virginia. I’ve always been drawn to the power of personal narratives in historical scholarship, which I’ve explored through my coursework and an internship with Byrd’s Nest LLC, where I researched freedom colonies in South Texas. Growing up in a secular household, I wasn’t very familiar with religious history, but after taking my first Jewish Studies class during my second year at UVA, my interest in Judaism and Jewish history has continued to grow, and I’m excited to deepen that engagement as a Jewish Studies Fellow. Outside of academics, I enjoy thrifting, playing guitar, and watching movies.