Undergraduate Major: Sociology
minor in Gender Studies
Doctorate Program: University of
Maryland
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pa.
Activities: Community Assistant
I first heard about Bloomsburg University through a high school visit. Because I was in a work program and left high school early every day, I ended up missing all college admission visits to my school except for one—Bloomsburg. So I applied, and was accepted. I started college and took an introductory sociology course.
I never knew what sociology was, but the more I learned, the more interested I became. That very semester, I changed my major to sociology. In the classroom, my professors were enthusiastic and open to student insight. It wasn’t just lecturing—it was an exchange of ideas.
When I got involved with Heather Feldhaus, Ph.D., at the Center for Community Research and Consulting, I discovered my passion. We practiced hands-on methods, analyses and approaches as we assessed diversity in the community. I shared my results with community leaders. It was that real-world experience that fueled my desire to do research. Later, in classes with my advisor, Megumi Omori, Ph.D., I researched my own topics and attended professional conferences, where I spoke with people who had their master’s or doctorate degree in sociology—and I was just working on my bachelor’s degree!
No matter where you go, you’ll get an education, but at Bloomsburg you’ll get an experience. Those experiences, including mine, are shaped by professors who invest their faith in students. They should be applauded and rewarded. We need
more people like them.