Why did you choose to attend UE?

I wanted closer relationships with faculty and smaller class sizes.

How has your program/major prepared you for a future career?

Sociology helped prepare me for a future career by ensuring I was a competitive candidate for graduate school. I am currently in my third year of a PhD program in Sociology at the University of Buffalo. I am confident that my experience in the Sociology major gave me the tools I needed to excel as an academic.

What activities or organizations have you were you involved with at UE? How have these impacted you and your college career?

I was involved in the Social Research Lab, collaborating with faculty on research. I was also a teaching intern for Introduction to Sociology and Social Problems of the Modern World and served as a student intern for the Eykamp Center for Teaching Excellence. While an undergrad student, I knew I wanted to be a professor, and these experiences provided me with a solid foundation for the career that I wanted.

What makes UE a special place? How did our campus shape your college experience?

The relationships that are formed with faculty are what made my experience truly outstanding. Without the faculty, UE would be like any other university, where you get lost among the sea of students in large classes. However, the smaller class sizes allow you to form relationships with faculty that can last a lifetime. I am still close with some faculty and am thankful for their guidance during my undergrad and beyond.

What advice would you share with incoming students?

Go to office hours and be involved. Attending office hours strengthens your relationship with professors, and you learn that they are there to help you excel.