Meet Our Students

When asked why he became a sociology major, Marc says, “Because I am interested in the social world and how it interplays with individual decisions. Specifically, I am intrigued by how society influences black life in particular.” He goes on to explain, “For instance, I can better understand the relationship between race and criminalization and how those two concepts can be viewed through the lens of institutional discrimination.”

Jeremy chose sociology as a major because he has always been fascinated by society. He explains: “I was most interested in the many social problems that occur and I have always felt somewhat responsible for helping solve and change them.” He thinks his sociology courses have helped him “see outside of the box and see a society for what it is.”

Matthania is a sociology major with a health and society specialization. She says she chose this program of study because she is interested in “doctor-patient interaction within the health care system, healthcare expenditures, and social factors that affect aging.” She says of her major: “I think that what is so great about majoring in Sociology is that there is never a black and white understanding of what a course entails, but rather a gray area which intertwines conflicts in the society by taking a more holistic approach to the problem at hand.”

Nick Grisanti says that he is studying sociology in order to “broaden my understanding of the vast systems of society and culture within which we all spend our days, weeks, months, and years living.” His favorite part of his sociology coursework has been the in-depth class discussions of social issues. He explains: “I love to hear what others have to say on the topics we are discussing as well as what others think of the views I hold on said topics.”

Nell took a sociology seminar in her first semester at UB and decided to become a major. She is the president of the undergraduate sociology club. According to Nell, she really enjoys doing this because “it helps me meet new people and it provides a sense of community among students studying sociology and with students of other majors that are in the club."

Halle started UB as a medical technology major. She explains her decision to switch to sociology this way: “I realized that I just wasn't interested in the classes, and I wanted a field of study that gave me more freedom to choose my courses and that focused on thinking more critically about the world around me.” 

When asked why she became a sociology major, Anna explains: “After taking a few classes and exploring my options, I discovered I had a passion for cities and how people interact within them. Therefore, I used sociology as an opportunity to learn more about urban environments and the unique interactions that take place.”