University of New England

B.A. Sociology

My time at the University of New England began as an Occupational Therapy major in the fall of 1997.

Ihad been drawn to this career after extensive volunteer work with the Therapeutic Riding Program at the University of New Hampshire. I was intrigued by the positive and influential interactions that OTs had with individuals. A job in the OT field appeared to accomplish one life goal - helping people.

The University of New England was my first choice for undergraduate education because of several features - small classes, close contact with professors, and location. After growing up in the town of Durham, N.H., with the campus of UNH as my backyard, I was looking for a different environment for my college experience. Since the first day I visited, UNE had the atmosphere I wanted. I knew this was the school where I would excel.

My interests and focus transformed beyond the realms of occupational therapy as my classes went by at UNE. I found myself intrigued by mental health and society - the responsibility the mentally ill, disabled, and "normal" populations have in society and to each other.

At this juncture, more than halfway through my college career, I was faced with three options: continuing with the OT curriculum, creating a unique personal major to suit my interests, or select another major that would be more fitting with my future career goals.

After discussing my ideas of possible paths with advisor Kerryellen Vroman, M.H.Sc., OTR/L, she directed me to speak with Sam McReynolds, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, which is now known as two separate departments, Psychology and Sociology. Meeting with Prof. McReynolds assured me that the "combined" major psychology and social relations would nurture my interest of interacting with and understanding people and their environments. In hindsight, I can say I couldn't have made a better choice than to change my major and transfer to the SBS department.

Dr. McReynolds and the other faculty members made me feel as comfortable in the new department as I had been with all my friends in the OT classes. The exposure I received from the variety of psychology and sociology subject matter covered was just what I was looking for and needed. I discovered areas that I wished to explore in more depth, as well as formed a foundation of knowledge in the two fields, though I quickly became more fascinated with the sociological side.

Social policy assessments, fondly known as SPAs, taught me basic principles of analysis and social policy structure. Struggling through translations of Marx, Weber, and Durkheim in Social Theory taught me patience, and the class discussions were never disappointing in their ability to enlighten me about social concepts such as poverty, politics, or punishment.

I fully developed my fascination with criminology by learning the theories of deviance and their application in the world. Not only did I follow my interest for theory, I learned new approaches of study. I was introduced to visual sociology and was able to attend the International Visual Sociology Association conference in 2000. Yet another new thing I would have never encountered without Dr. McReynolds mentoring and support. These are just a few highlights of my involvement in the department and sociology.

During my senior year I was given the opportunity to impart my knowledge of sociology as a teaching assistant for the Introductory Sociology classes. This internship had two positive results. It enabled me to solidify the concepts I was studying and educated me on teaching techniques.

I also assisted Prof. McReynolds with the feasibility study for the sociology major by conducting research. The experience these internships provided was invaluable, as are any applications that reinforce one's academic studies. They provided basic skills while exposing me to different situations, increasing my knowledge, and broadening my capabilities, all which I have utilized in other endeavors.

After graduating from college I expanded my work experience, moving from the hospitality industry to the technical field of computer software. To further increase my knowledge of different commerce, I sought my current position as a member services specialist at a health insurance company.

I know that working in customer service appears to be a job that we all go to college to avoid, but I can honestly say that the last two years have given me irreplaceable skills. Working in differing environments with a variety of individuals is necessary for any future career that requires interaction with people.

While growing professionally, I have reached out to fulfill personal needs. I moved to Boston's South End, participated in poetry workshops, traveled, and indulged in life's temptations. By taking this time to enjoy the world outside of academia, I have been able to determine what is important to me and how to best find success for myself.

Having said how important my past and present work experiences are, as well as having time to reflect on what I want and need in my life and career, I can happily announce my intentions to move forward towards a career. I hope that by this time next year I will be attending graduate school to obtain a master's in counseling psychology. This will be the next educational stop on my path to my ultimate career goal of becoming a college professor after receiving a Ph.D. in a field closely related to sociology and psychology. If it weren't for the decision to change majors four years ago, I would never be on this fulfilling path.

My studies at UNE introduced me to my obsession with sociology. Although I may not be continuing on with this field presently, I will never be able to walk past that social sciences section of the local bookstore without pulling out a book and skimming through the chapters. The faculty and academic curriculum in what has now become the Department of Sociology facilitated my curiosity in understanding our surroundings as citizens of life.