Why did you choose UNI? 

I chose UNI because it was the perfect distance from home. Being 4 and a half hours away I could still go home on the weekends but I was also able to spend more time with the friends I had made on campus. The first time I visited UNI I really loved the size of the campus and how easy it was to get around so I visited 2 more times before applying! 

What have you enjoyed the most about attending UNI? 

I have most enjoyed meeting new people at UNI and developing new interests. I have taken courses I never thought would have interested me and created some amazing relationships along the way! Not only is there always something to do on campus, there is always something to do off campus that is just a short walk away. 

How did you become interested in your major? 

Originally, I wanted to be a Psychology major but that changed when I took my first Sociology class in high school. I really enjoyed the content and decided I wanted to incorporate Sociology into my future careers in some way so I declared a major in it and began taking anything and everything that interested me. 

What have been some of your favorite aspects of the major?

I love the variety of courses I can take that are not just extremely informative but also very interesting. I can tie my major and what I have learned at UNI into any future careers I have which I personally feel puts me at a great advantage! 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

My Junior year, I participated in an internship through TurnUp Activism. TurnUp Activism is a fully remote internship that focuses on political advocacy and participating in grassroots for one's community. I chose this internship option because it fit so well with my busy schedule. It also allowed me to advocate for my communities in Cedar Falls, Oswego, and recently Abingdon, Virginia. This internship helped me grow my social networks and connect with students and staff from all over the U.S. Towards the end, I became a leader of my own group and created weekly tasks, led my own grassroots events, and led discussions. 

For the Spring 2025 semester, I will be participating in the National Student Exchange program and studying at West Virginia University. As I was unable to study abroad, I looked into other similar options which brought the NSE program to my attention. After going through the very simple process, I picked my destination and applied to WVU. I specifically picked WVU because of how close it is now to my family (Cedar Falls, IA to Abingdon, VA is about a 15 hour drive!) and because of how similar it is to UNI. 

What professors have been most influential through your time here at UNI? 

The professors that have been the most influential throughout my time at UNI are Dr. Marybeth Stalp, Dr. Carissa Froyum, Dr. Kristin Mack, and Heather Jeronimo. These professors have helped me grow not only as a student but as a person and they have provided me with the knowledge, tools, and resources to be successful. 

What are your post-graduation plans? 

After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school either in West Virginia or Virginia. From there, I will look for work in the Women and Gender Studies field as well as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and mental health fields. I would love to get into politics and potentially work on a city council board. 

How has UNI helped prepare you for these plans?

Being in my major at UNI has prepared me for my future plans by providing the opportunity for an exchange program which allowed me to explore education and career opportunities in different states. My professors and courses have also helped me develop a better understanding for society and how I can contribute and advocate for others. 

What advice would you give to students who are considering this major? 

For those who are considering a Sociology major, do it! Even as a minor, I feel Sociology is such an important topic to learn about and discuss. It can encourage open mindedness and education on topics that may be difficult to discuss. Although it can be broad, it can take you into so many other courses, interests, and topics that may help you in the future when looking for jobs or higher education. It is also quite easy to find community and groups within this major and the professors are great sources for support! 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

If a course or topic sounds even slightly interesting, take it! You never know where that information and knowledge will take you.