Personal Development
As a sociology major, I was taught to think critically. More specifically, I was guided through refining my skills and interests in such a way that allows me to see “the big picture.” In almost every course I took for my major, we read The Promise by C. Wright Mills, which explains the “sociological imagination” and how it should be used. Essentially, it is a fancy phrase we sociologists like to use to describe our unique analysis of history and biography (as well as the intersections between the two). It’s not just being able to see “the big picture;” its about being able to see how you as an individual fit in to that bigger picture. This is the lens in which I utilize to understand most everything I am faced with.
When I am surrounded by other sociology majors (or other academics), I feel at home. Our “small talk” is different than what I’ve been accustomed to through interaction with the general population, and I find myself speaking the same language. I am someone who likes to collect information as well as discuss information with people who are as well-read as I am. I enjoy philosophical debates and brainstorming action plans. Being a sociology major has allowed these personality traits to flourish to the point where now I would proudly describe myself as someone who is passionate about social and ecological justice. However, this passion does not easily die down, and I struggle to find the “off switch” so to speak. I could honestly talk for hours about topics such as healthcare reform, climate change, and capitalism; I know this because I have done so numerous times before. I see this remaining a constant in my life, as I derive a lot of my energy from such interactions. This has been a learning process with friends and family, as I keep in mind that not everyone is like me in this sense; it is imperative that I remain mindful of different personalities. Sociology has also allowed me to polish my strength in individualization; I seek the qualities in each person that are individual to them in order to understand them and their place in the bigger picture.
A useful skill that I have gained as a sociology major is active listening. By truly engaging with people, I am able to respond eloquently. This has proved useful in my academic and professional career, as over the years I have gained foundational knowledge in a wide range of topics through this very skill. An example of this would be my first week on the job at the American Medical Association Foundation, I had one-on-one meetings with each of the 10 staff members. By actively listening, I was able to ask thoughtful, insightful questions that drove the conversation forward. One of my strongest assets is my ample background knowledge. The ways in which I have already found this to be useful is immeasurable, as the connections between concepts and ideas compliment one another graciously; this is all in thanks to sociology. Being trained in the way we are provides us with a comprehensive approach to any situation, which has proved productive – for everyone involved – time and time again.
I see myself bringing these skills, strengths, and interests to the realm of social change. There is a caveat I have found in this; I need to be a part of transformative change, not reformative change. Having a inclusive take on social justice and ecological issues has left me frustrated with incremental modifications. Change is something that should be noticed and felt. I will admit, most change is gradual and happens over time. However, that does not mean we cannot advocate for large, revolutionary change to be made. Members of such a movement need to be trained in such way that includes everyone, understands different perspectives, and possesses a passion for changing current circumstances in the name of a better way of living. The place I have found many of these prospective members is in my own peer group, which confirms my suspicion that I am on the right track.