Class: 2019
Current Position: Health Policy Analyst for the Department of Health and Human Services

I chose to study sociology because I wanted to gain insight about the complexities of the U.S. healthcare system and begin to innovatively think about strategies that would be able to not only improve the healthcare system, but the quality of life of people within it. Furthermore, the notion of being able to examine the micro and macro factors that influence and affect the health of the nation was and still is exhilarating!

Some of my most memorable experiences as a sociology major would definitely have to be the following: meeting and conversing with the professors about their research and a plethora of intriguing topics related to the course, getting thought-provoking assignments that invited you to engage and reconstruct your knowledge on what you thought you may have knew prior to perusing the assignment, actively listening and participating in fascinating discussions that guest speakers presented to our class, and celebrating graduation with all of my classmates knowing that we reached the UB finish line of accomplishment.

I always like to say that sociology has been used since the moment I decided to major in it. I say this because; I was able to bring and apply a new perspective to the world around me and continue to increase my knowledge on this field of study. This allowed me to further my focus on healthcare and pursue my Master of Science in Health Care Management. Also, I was able to always see a subject matter from a different point of view because of the reliable, valid, remarkable, and transferrable foundational knowledge and skill set that sociology offered at the University at Buffalo. So, thank you!

I would recommend the sociology program to others because: there are multiple avenues within sociology that you can concentrate in, you are able to see everything from a different perspective, and you are able to learn more about how you can test, challenge, and improve upon the knowledge that interests you. Correspondingly, we have an amazing group of faculty and staff that always want the best for all students and helps them anyway that they can. Also, there are a lot of wonderful opportunities such as fellowships, research, networking, interactive events, and the sociology club that is readily available to keep students engaged.

One of my favorite quotes by John Adams states that “if your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” It is my hope that I was able to give you a glimpse into the multifaceted field of what sociology entails. If so, I invite you to take this glimpse into the future and dive deeper into examining how sociology can impact your aspirations in life.