“Figuring out your passions and pursuing your dream job is incredibly accessible in the SOC/ANT program. … Within this department, you make familial relationships, find your place on campus, and take important steps toward your future career. It really is as simple as that!”—KP Pokracki, sociology
We’re diving into the second year of the student ambassador program for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology with a very solid group this year! With four new ambassadors joining the three experienced ambassadors, the group is exceptionally equipped to take on the challenges of providing guidance during this time of online learning with the freshness of new ideas to help fellow sociology and anthropology majors and minors prosper, even in the challenging times of a pandemic.
What are student ambassadors?
The Sociology and Anthropology student ambassadors are some of the most accomplished students within our department who have been selected to help with student recruitment, orientation, and peer advising. They also participate in professional development opportunities to help them further achieve their own future goals and aspirations. These ambassadors are an elite group of ambitious and excited juniors and seniors who are enthusiastic about the major they have chosen and the department that is guiding them, and are hopeful about the future that awaits them as graduates of the program because they know that our graduates land excellent jobs in a wide variety of fields.
“Our department prepares its students for nearly any work environment, providing marketable skills to set them up for success. They prioritize hands-on learning and support individual interests. They also emphasize diversity, social justice, and respect, encouraging students to become globally engaged citizens.”—Anna Tulley, anthropology
Why sociology or anthropology?
When considering a degree, students consider a diversity of factors. Our ambassadors commend the Department of Sociology and Anthropology for reasons that range from the cozy size of the major where the classes provide a family atmosphere to the diversity of course topics that are informative, interesting, and socially relevant. But the overwhelming consensus from these ambassadors is that the most important benefit stems from engaging with passionate and supportive faculty and staff! Ryan Gray, academic advisor, is a must stop for all in the program. His services are just as valuable as the classes themselves.
“Another thing I like most about this program is the fact that the faculty and staff want to see you succeed, and they support you every step of the way. … The staff in the Sociology and Anthropology Department go above and beyond to make sure you achieve your goals.”—KP Pokracki, sociology
Of course, students want to know that the degree they are choosing will ultimately provide a rewarding career. These ambassadors are confident that our programs support the development of essential tools and expertise to solve problems and encourage critical thinking as well as provide the transferable skills and resources necessary for success in job market.
“Most graduates with an anthropology degree work in areas of applied anthropology, meaning they can work in many different settings, from office jobs to non-profit work! Majoring in Anthropology is a great decision to make, and ISU is an amazing place to study Anthropology.”—Sophia de Sa e Silva, anthropology
“I think everyone can benefit from taking a sociology class or two; it has helped me learn about so many relevant issues in our society and encouraged me to think outside of the box.”—Fiona Fleming, sociology
I want to be an ambassador …
“…because anthropology is my passion. I love to help other people with their anthropology-related questions, or their concerns!”—Sophia de Sa e Silva, anthropology
“… so that I can help fellow students feel less lost, and I wanted to make sure students felt that college is not as scary as it seems. I want my fellow students to know that they have a welcoming home in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. I was a transfer student myself and had barely any guidance as to what I wanted to do at ISU. When I first attended, I wished that there was a person that I could go to show me the ropes, and I am able to be that person now that I am an ambassador.”—KP Pokracki, sociology
“… because I am super passionate about the subject of sociology, and I would love to help get more students involved in our department, as well as participate in more activities.” – Fiona Fleming, sociology
Passion for the field and compassion for others definitely motivates this exceptional group!
Words of wisdom from returning ambassadors
Senior sociology and public relations major Dani Lamb said students who are worried about job opportunities after they graduate should take SOC/ANT 292: Careers for Soc/Ant Majors: “It is a big help! Lamb offered some advice: “Always read papers out loud before turning them in, even if doing work at the last minute.” She has lots of other tips she is ready to share, especially in regard to the challenges of online learning. Taking her own advice has proved to be very successful to this 4.0 student.
Kelly Kennedy, who is just as eager to help shadow new ambassadors as she is in helping others in the program, advises students to investigate their interests and seek out other opportunities to round out their education, such as a double major or a minor. She herself is a senior biological anthropology student with a minor in ethnic studies, so she knows the value of adding another major or minor from experience and that it can be done! She also recommends talking to the professors: “They are all great and knowledgeable. They will help you succeed in class and are generally understanding if something in your life is going awry.”
As a senior anthropology and geography double major Luke Gallagher knows a thing or two about anthropology. Gallagher recommends that students try out ANT 102 or ANT 185 if there is any interest in anthropology, thus getting a better feel for the subject matter that would be encountered as a hypothetical major.
Gallagher would love for everyone to check out the ambassador program and take advantage of it. It has such a “potential for positive impact on students.” Don’t let this program go to waste!
The Sociology and Anthropology ambassadors are a great resource for both current and future students. We encourage you to reach out to them to ask questions or learn more about our programs. Their office is located in 316 Schroeder Hall. Please stop by or visit the information page for their contact information.
“Never forget you’ve got a massive support system here at the Sociology and Anthropology Department. We’re here to help you prosper!”
–Anna Tulley, anthropology
