Tirza Harris

Connecting with the ancient world

Classical Studies student Tirza Harris explores her passion in Italy

Tirza Harris is fascinated by the Christian empire and the ancient world.

‘‘When I find something I love, I let it encompass me. I love running away with something and learning everything I can about it,’’ she says. The 21-year-old from Kingston, Ontario, did just that when she visited Ravenna, a city in northern Italy, to complete a two-week program where she made mosaics.

Thanks to the B.E.S.T. Projects Fund, the Classical Studies Honours student used the same techniques and methods that Byzantine artists did in the 6th century.

‘‘That period was the height of the Byzantine Empire in terms of arts and politics. The artwork back then was politically engineered and used as propaganda. With this project, I understood the artists’ perspective. There was so much hard work and dedication put into these works of art, hours and hours of skilled handiwork,’’ she explains.

‘‘It’s amazing that Bishop’s has something like the B.E.S.T Projects Fund. It’s giving me a one-of-a-kind experience that I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else.’’

Tirza’s opportunity allowed her to take what she learned in the classroom and expand on it. ‘’I feel that students need the interplay of the inside and the outside of the classroom to further enhance their academic development. B.E.S.T. allows you to expand yourself, your perspectives, your mentality, and your understanding of things. I feel very grateful for this unique opportunity.’’

Tirza plans on pursuing graduate studies in the hopes of eventually becoming a professor. ‘‘This is a new way of learning for me. I love school, so this was just another means of learning something, but through a different medium.’’