BA in Sociology

Frehiwot Tafesse, 2023

Do you have a particular standout course or professor from your time as an undergraduate student?

Survey of American Literature, World Regional Geography, Intro to International Relations, Social Problems, Globalization, Sociological Theory, Power Politics and Society, Big Data & Society, Race Immigration Gender, Climate Change Ethics, Intro to Linguistics - all of the professors including their classes are not listed here have made impact in my learning- If I have to choose a favorite would be Dr. John Dale, Dr. Nair, Dr. Matt Kelly, Dr. Rachel Lewis

What activities were you involved in during your time at Mason that impacted you the most? 

Participating in the Next Systems fellowship has drastically changed my career and retirement aspirations. After completing the final research project, which was focused on Ethiopia’s wheat export in the context of globalization and the liberalization of the country’s economy, I was exposed to the root problems unfolding in the country today.  While I’m not certain if I can afford to further my education, I’ll continue to use the available resources to develop my research and language skills to maximize the contribution I’m making to my community through language access and to explore advocacy through research.  

Reflecting on your time at Mason, what is one piece of advice you would give a student who is just starting off on their Mason journey?

School is expensive and jobs are uncertain, choose a major that aligns with your beliefs and that’ll teach you transferable skills to survive/navigate the changing world.

What is your next step?

I’ll continue to work in the language field while exploring how I can participate in social science research if the prospect of grad school or employment in research are not attainable.