Kiersten Rothrock

My name is Kiersten Rothrock, and I am currently pursuing a degree in Classics, with the goal of graduating this coming May. My passion lies in the ancient written word, art, and architecture, and I dream of sharing this love with others to inspire appreciation and understanding of our rich historical heritage. I have a particular fondness for the Latin language and hope to teach it, along with other aspects of antiquity.

I grew up in Topeka and graduated from Topeka High in 2003. Inspired by my father's military service in the Marine Corps and Army, I enlisted, attending boot camp at Fort Jackson and AIT at Fort Eustis. From 2004 to 2012, I proudly served in the United States Army. During my deployment to Al Taqaddum, Iraq, from 2007 to 2008, I was honored to be awarded NCO of the Month as a Corporal for the 49th Transportation Battalion.

After my military service, I utilized my GI Bill to earn associate degrees in science and mortuary science. From 2010 until the start of COVID, I worked as a funeral director and embalmer, helping families navigate the loss of their loved ones. With two babies at home, I decided it would be safer to return to school and use the remainder of my GI Bill. I started taking classes that piqued my interest and gradually found myself increasingly drawn to Classics, eventually realizing that this was my true passion and future path.