Why did you choose sociology as your major?

I chose sociology as my major because I wanted to be able to actively make change within my community and I knew that I would never be satisfied with just teaching sociology, per my original plan. I wanted to have the flexibility and knowledge to work in a variety of fields, enhancing my ability to practice applied sociology and problem solve in various settings.

What are some of the key things you have gotten out of your major?

One of the key things I have learned is that you will never be able to actually put yourself in someone else’s shoes because you will never be able to experience all the nuances of their life, but that shouldn’t prevent you from wanting to be an ally and help improve their life. It is crucial to use your sociological imagination when trying to make sense of the world, as it can give you perspective as to why people believe the things they do, and helps you to understand those you disagree with. You have to understand the opposing side in order to strengthen your own argument.

What other activities have you been involved in?

Besides having held various executive positions in National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), including president, I have had an exciting internship with Neighborhood Partners located in Menasha. I had the opportunity to go door to door, conducting survey interviews as an effort towards creating a neighborhood group dedicated to increasing social connectedness. This fall semester I have also been a fellow with Wisconsin Institute for Social Equity (WISE), we just held a student workshop discussing microaggressions and the list of demands created by students last spring semester.

What are some of your other interests?

In my spare time, I try to advocate for body positivity as well as mental health on various social media sites. I also enjoy painting and watching crime documentaries.

What are your plans for the future?

I am applying to the Masters of Sustainable Peacebuilding at UW Milwaukee to further my education in being able to problem solve with various communities, whilst giving them the means to problem solve for themselves without outside intervention. In the long run, I want to empower communities consisting of marginalized populations, helping to provide them with basic human necessities.