How did you decide to pursue a degree in Sociology? What interested you most about it?
Entering university in 2020, I knew I wanted to pursue an arts degree, though I wasn’t sure what subject interested me most. I only knew that I wanted to study something that felt applicable outside of school. During my first few years, most of which were online due to the pandemic, I explored a range of arts courses: Business, English, History, Art, Psychology, and Sociology.

When I first began studying Sociology, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed it. I actually looked forward to course materials and even studied beyond what was assigned simply out of curiosity. Much of Sociology involves looking at reality through different lenses and deconstructing its seemingly mundane elements. As someone who has always thought abstractly like that, Sociology has been a very intuitive and rewarding discipline for me. 

Now as a graduate in Sociology, I can say that though people (including me) sometimes joke about sociology being “useless,” it’s helped me understand social interactions, institutions, and enduring social patterns, and so has become invaluable in my life. I feel that what I have studied in Sociology follows me into my workplaces, relationships, and has shaped how I make sense of the world around me. I would argue it’s also shaped me as a person. I’ve developed such a deep love for Sociology, and I hope that stays with me well beyond graduation.

What was your favourite SA course? 
My favorite SA course so far has been Special Topics Course SA 442: Sociology of International Students from this past semester. I really feel that it deepened my understanding not only of international study but also of Canada’s identity and the way this identity is created and recreated through its’ immigration practices.  It’s something I have thought a lot about studying beyond my undergraduate program, so it has had a really lasting impact. 

What’s something you’re proud of accomplishing during your time at SFU?
Having transferred to SFU from another city last year, I’m really proud (and grateful) for the friendships and connections I’ve built here. Overall, I’m proud of the work I’ve put into my degree and really appreciate the encouragement I’ve received from both peers and faculty along the way.

What are your plans post grad?
I’ve only this past year seriously thought about pursuing a Masters in sociology, and so will be spending the next year networking, finding research and volunteer opportunities, and applying for scholarships before next intakes. For instance, I’ve joined the POLIS undergraduate newspaper and would recommend any other SASU students to also get involved!

My end goal for my education is to teach at the high school level. My hope is that pursuing a masters will give me more time to study something I am passionate about now, and will later help expand my career opportunities as a teacher, or even in another job if I change course. 🙂