Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend the University of Mississippi because this school felt like the perfect "home away from home". In my opinion, this university is equipped with professors, programs, and several resources for a wide range of students, which immediately stood out to me. Despite how unique the student body is, I like how there seems to be a specialized area for everyone who attends this school. For me, that specialized area or "perfect fit" was Sociology.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
Sociology is all about investigating social patterns, interactions, and problems in society. It's a really broad major that can explain many different topics that are relevant in everyone's day-to-day life. If you are interested in sociology, I think it would be very useful to have an interest in activities like conducting research, thinking critically, and maintaining an open mind throughout your academic journey.
Why is your department a special place?
The department of Sociology is a very special place to me because of how the department truly seems to define the phrase "quality over quantity". Although the department is rather small, I believe the size of the department allows for the faculty and students to build more meaningful connections, which gives students the opportunity to gain a more well-rounded understanding of the subject matter. Also, Sociology gives you the chance to learn about the intricacies of human beings and their collective actions, which is useful for any career path that you might decide to go down.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
I have taken the most classes with Dr. Oh, and she has certainly been the most impactful on my academic journey. Two notable classes that I have taken with her include "Identities and Subjectivity" and "Sociological Theory". She formulates her classes in a way that is very engaging and different from other typical college courses. Engaging in discussions in her classes has undoubtedly made me more interested in Sociology and has led me to pursuee a career in the field.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
After graduation, I plan to stay at the University of Mississippi and go on to graduate school by enrolling in the Master’s in Sociology program. I'm excited for the knowledge that I will acquire at this next stage in my academic career. Ultimately, I plan to become a professor of Sociology at either a two-year or four-year postsecondary institution.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
I would go back and tell my past self that although college is an extremely fun time of self-discovery and new experiences, prioritizing your education is the most important thing to always keep in mind. I would also tell myself that worrying about having all of the details of your college major and postgrad life planned out isn't completely necessary because changes are inevitable and it's likely that college will be the exact place where you find yourself changing your interests and your idea of where you would like to see yourself in the future.
Need to Know More?
Ask a question by using the form below.