Telstar valedictorian now aiming for doctorate a dozen years away

When Telstar valedictorian Adam Mahar graduates this spring, he will be approximately halfway through his education.

That’s because the senior, who will attend Cornell University next fall, plans to eventually earn a Ph.D. in history.

Mahar, a native of Andover, was bitten by the history bug as a sophomore, when he took an Advanced Placement course in World History.

“I liked learning about the ideas of civilizations, about their rise and fall, and the stories that go with them,” he said.

But that doesn’t mean he zeroed in exclusively on history.

“After I did World History, I said, ‘I can do AP,’” said Mahar.

And so he did, pulling out all the stops.

As a junior, Mahar took AP courses in calculus and language/composition.

As a senior, he’s taking AP U.S. Government/Politics, History, English Literature/Composition and Statistics.

Add to this year’s class load a Calculus II class taken online through University of Maine at Orono, an Advanced Chemistry class and French 4, and one would think he must spend all his time at his desk.

Not so. He’s also a four-year member of the THS cross-country running and ski teams and the track team, and president of the National Honor Society. And he helps out staff members and students with any laptop-computer problems.

“Not only is he a superb student and athlete, he is genuinely compassionate about others, always willing to help, to teach, and to grow academically and personally. He is tremendously positive and we love his sense of humor,” said THS Guidance Counselor Lori Lindsay.

Mahar was accepted this fall on early decision at Cornell, a school that has something to offer in all his areas of interest.

“It’s a wonderful campus, great academically and it has cross-country skiing,” he said.

He won’t be competing in cross-country in college, but that suits him just fine for balancing his education.

Mahar’s ultimate goal is to earn a Ph.D. and become a college professor, probably in history. That means after earning a bachelor’s degree, he’ll go on for another three years to earn a master’s degree, and then three to five more for the doctorate.

A job-shadowing experience last year gave him clearer insight into a career as a college professor. “I job-shadowed three professors at Bates – in history, anthropology and math,” said Mahar. “All great people, who all love their jobs.”

What motivates him to take on another dozen years of formal education?

“I'm actually very excited for another 10 or so years of school,” he said. “It will be in a field that I am extremely enthusiastic about, and so, while it will be hard work, it will also be very enjoyable. I truly believe that I would love being a life-long learner, and school is a part of that, as is the career to follow. I could not stand a job I do not enjoy doing - I want a career I love. So, in part, a Ph.D. is a stepping stone, but it is also an enormous journey in itself. I'm thrilled to undertake it.”