Lauren Perry, '14

I will be a Teach for America corps member in San Antonio, Texas teaching sixth grade English in a public charter school, Carver Academy, near downtown.  Being a sociology concentrator influenced my career path by expanding my understanding of inequalities in American society and helping me focus on the importance of education.  My senior thesis helped me understand the role that education nonprofits such as Teach for America play in the education landscape specifically and the nature of social movements more generally. 

Sociology focuses on big societal questions as well as day to day problems in society.  One studies theory as well as empirical research.  To my surprise, I enjoyed studying both, and I find that they have shaped the ways I see the world and particular problems.  My first sociology course was USW 24, “the Boston Neighborhoods course,” that I took during the first semester of my freshman year.  It not only exposed me to complex, real world issues, but it also made me engage in a type of research that expanded my comfort zone.  Courses like the sophomore tutorial and a course on social movements helped me think about ideas and research in broader and more sophisticated ways that not only helped steer me to my new career but also have prepared me to succeed in my first job.  As I work in what is sure to be a challenging situation, I think I will be able to step back and understand better what is going on, which will enable me to be a more effective teacher.