BA in Sociology

Madison Spagnolo, 2014

Madison Spagnolo

What work are you doing now? 

I am currently teaching a morning kindergarten class that supplements the public school's pm kindergarten program.

What do you like about it?

I absolutely love my job. I am able to nurture and teach young minds everyday. Not only do I get to teach them about school related topics, but I am able to serve as a role model for the children I teach. I show them patience, kindness, love, and that making mistakes is a part of life that helps us learn. I love that these kids make me want to be the very best version of myself, and in doing so, encourages the kids to be the best versions of themselves.

How did a BA/MA in Sociology prepare you to do this work?

It may not seem directly related, however I use my degree every day. From the diverse courses I took, I have learned to handle situations in ways that are sensitive to all individuals involved. I never assume, because sociology has taught me to take a step back and look at things with a different mindset. From poverty to family violence, health to education, and my own personal research, I have developed so many sociological lenses through which to view the world. And that makes me stand out as an individual who is able to have a heart for a wide range of people, accepting all situations that surround them. In other words, I love watching and being a part of other people just doing life.

What advice would you give current sociology students about developing their careers?

From someone who took a long time to figure out what they wanted to do, and is still struggling to settle on just one thing, I think the most important thing, for me at least, was to take a wide range of courses. I submersed myself in all types of classes with different focuses so that I had different things to choose from. Try not to limit yourself to fields that are specifically designated as sociological fields of work. I have been able to use my degree in so many areas of my life by applying everything that I have learned and looking at life with a sociological lens. This degree will change your way of thinking and make you question and doubt the world. Just remember, doubt and questions are a good thing. It means your knowledge is constantly expanding and there is always more to question and learn.