From Justin Hargis (B.S., Sociology, 2001)
"Majoring in sociology has been one of the most interesting experiences in my academic career. I honestly feel that the Sociology and Anthropology Department has some of the most knowledgeable faculty members on campus. The instructors always made me feel welcome and I was able to honestly call this department 'My' department; I felt like I belonged to it.
The instructors have all been very friendly and helpful. I always knew (and still know) that I could come to any of them for advice. Overall, I am very lucky to have had such a wonderful group of instructors during college. (My) being known on a first-name basis (was) very helpful. From this department I will take many skills, primarily analytical, that will help me down the road. I have learned to be more open-minded and look for answers that are not so obvious. Also, I feel that I have a much better understanding of human social interaction."
From Jeremy Hinson (B.S., Sociology, anticipated 2002)
"I am learning a lot in this department, but I am still undecided about what I want to do in life as far as a career is concerned, so I'm not sure how the things I am learning are going to help me in the future.
I do know that I have chosen sociology as a field of study because any type of career is going to involve dealing with people. I may not have to know what sociological theory can be applied to the lifestyles of people I will associate with, and I may not have to know what a police officer would do in any given situation I might encounter, but all of these things help me learn about people.
I think sociology is important to someone like me who is a 'people person.' I am interested in all sorts of people and I enjoy learning about (their) lives and how theirs' are similar to and different from my own. I am a very compassionate person and I enjoy helping people who deserve to be helped. Learning about and meeting people with problems and helping them resolve issues, defend themselves, settle family problems - all those things seem like they would be very rewarding.
Sociology may not be a very strong degree when you compare it to something like CIS or education in terms of being able to find a (specific) job, but I think there is more to be said about sociology as far as actually learning about yourself and those around you."
From Tara Peck (B.S., Sociology, 2001, Alpha Kappa Delta)
I chose sociology (as my major) for very personal reasons. After taking the introductory sociology course (SOC 150) I realized that things happen in this world for more than just individuals - they happen for communities as well.
I was surprised to realize that this simple thought had never occurred to me before. Yes, there is an individual answer to every situation, but there is a societal answer to the same situation. I have found most of my (sociology) classes extremely interesting. And I've enjoyed the Crime and Society courses I have taken, as I am planning on going to law school.
I think that being able to look at laws and the justice system from the broader perspective of sociology will help me in my pursuit of a legal career. The sociology program has improved my analytical skills. Being forced to look at a topic and explain and validate the sociological theories behind it has really helped me.
Overall, I enjoyed the program and I'm going to miss it."
Kristie Gray (B.A. Sociology, 2001, Alpha Kappa Delta)
"I've had a good experience in the sociology program. I think it's given me the tools to think well. I mean, I'm able to look at issues critically and make good decisions - solid, educated decisions.
It taught me that I can be a caring person - that I can give back to the community and the world. I did that while I was here by participating in community service - opportunities for doing that are everywhere. I was in Alpha Phi Omega, a community service organization, and I worked as a literacy instructor at the United Stated Medical Center for Federal Prisoners here in Springfield, for example.
Sociology gave me a way to understand relationships between people - like in my family and other peoples' families. It's all much clearer to me new. And my education, in general, helped me communicate with others more effectively.
I intend to go into the field of corrections - initially as a counselor or case worker. I'd like to work up to being a warden. Studying sociology gave me the tools to think clearly about problems and situations and the people involved.
I majored in sociology and minored in Crime and Society, and I liked the mixture. The sociology gave me a macro-level view - the big picture. The CAS courses gave me more of a micro-level appreciation for what's going on. All in all, I feel prepared now to do whatever I want!"
Would you like to contribute to this page?
If you are a current major or minor in the Sociology Program, or you are one of our graduates, please write a word or two about any of the following (or whatever you'd like to write about) and send them to me (you can write it into the email).
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