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Meet our Sociology Students
Alison Guerin, Senior
Alison is a senior from Latham, New York, and is majoring in sociology and minoring in business.
"I feel that everything I have learned in sociology will help me in all aspects of my life."
There Is Nothing Else I Would Rather Major In
"When I started at Plattsburgh State, I really had no clue what I wanted to do, but I knew that I really loved the sociology class I was taking. As I took more, I realized that there is nothing else I would rather major in. I just really really love the program. I find all of my classes so interesting. I am learning things that I can take and use in my everyday life. I am really pleased that I chose Sociology as my major here at Plattsburgh State and I have really enjoyed my college experience.
"I have become active in the sociology club and have learned that getting involved has really expanded my academic experience. I also learned that I work well with people and am good leader, something I never would have thought in high school. The club is great. They provide the opportunity for students to speak with professionals in the sociology/criminal justice field. To me this has been a chance to see what you can really do with a sociology degree."
Non-Traditional Teaching Methods Keep Classes Interesting
"The faculty in the sociology program are incredible. They are very dedicated to their jobs and students. There are several teachers that have stuck out in my mind. Steve Schacht was one of them. He really made an impression on me because he was not afraid to say anything. He had his students call him by his first name and always engaged his classes in interesting discussions.
"Also, I have found that many professors treat students as friends and equals, rather than the traditional teacher-student relationships. Sandra Rezac has always made herself available to students and has been so easy to talk to.
"It is beautiful here. The campus is really nice and there is always so much going on. The school provides many activities for students. I also really like Plattsburgh because you can walk everywhere, everything you need is so close!"
Amanda Brown, Senior
Amanda is a senior at Plattsburgh State. She is a Sociology major with a concentration in History.
I Have Gained Experiences I Will Carry for Life
"I chose to be a Sociology major because I enjoy thinking critically about our society and our world. Studying social problems and sociological theory really help in understanding the world in which we live."
"There are many different things I like about the Sociology department. First, there is a wide range of courses from which to choose. Second, the program offers students the opportunity to get involved with the major. One can become a teaching assistant or do an internship with an organization and participate in it.
"There are so many opportunities for students at Plattsburgh State that enhance the college experience. I have been involved in different activities that have helped me grow as a student and have gained experiences that I will carry for life. One experience that I enjoyed was attending Northern Arizona University for a semester during my junior year through the National Student Exchange Program. This is a great program that gives students the opportunity to take classes at another school that may not be offered at Plattsburgh State. As a Sociology major, I am interested in ethnic and cultural issues and Northern Arizona University has the largest Native American student population in the United States.
"During my sophomore year, I was having trouble with a particular subject and I sought help at the Learning Center. Because of the help I received there, I was able to succeed in a course that was difficult to me. This is a great academic setting and I love the idea of it. I decided that I wanted to help others who were having trouble with certain classes, so I became a tutor there. I tutor French, Spanish, and Sociology classes, and I recently became a writing tutor. Being a tutor is very rewarding to me and I have grown to love working and collaborating with others."
Sociology Has Made Me More Open Minded about the World
"After graduation, I plan on taking a year off from school before starting my graduate studies. I would really like to teach in a foreign country for a year and I think my major has allowed me to be more open minded about the world outside the United States. I am really interested in adult education, and would love to pursue a career helping adults in an academic setting, such as night school or community college. I think choosing Sociology as my major has allowed me to study different people in society, and I am particularly interested in adults who are trying to advance their careers in the post-industrial society in which we live.
"I have really enjoyed my time at Plattsburgh State as well as living in the town of Plattsburgh. As a senior, I will soon have to say goodbye to the town that I have grown to love. The school provides so many opportunities for students to get involved in all different areas. There are a variety of programs in which to major and the school is filled with students from all over the world. I really like the diversity of the student population and feel it is important in the education process. The town is in a location that allows for all different types of excursion. I personally love to bike and I feel the town is very bike friendly. The Adirondack Park is located right outside of Plattsburgh for those who love to ski and hike. For those who would like to leave this country for the day, the city of Montreal is about an hour away."
Susan Davis, Senior
Susan is a senior, majoring in sociology and minoring in psychology. She is employed full-time, and is completing her degree one class at a time. She is married and has three sons, the oldest of which graduated from Plattsburgh State in 2000. She is hoping to graduate at the same time as her youngest son, in December of 2005.
Susan says, "The sociology program deals with everyday topics, problems and concerns. I chose to major in sociology after seeing an ad in the paper which said that Plattsburgh State offers a sociology degree that could be earned in the evening. I work full time in the daytime but I've always enjoyed school. Plus I'd already earned a two-year degree right after high school so earning a Bachelor's degree was within reach. After I graduate I'll be close to retirement age so I don't plan on beginning a new career. I'm hoping my major in sociology and minor in psychology may help in volunteer work after I retire."
Questions, Comments, Suggestions?
If you would like to learn more about the Sociology program at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:
Sandra J. Rezac, Chair
Office: Redcay Hall 247
Phone: (518) 564-4218
E-mail: sandra.rezac@plattsburgh.edu