Sociology and Beyond (Stop Asking Me My Major)

During my daughter's freshmen year in college, she decided she wanted to be a Sociology major. All from taking the Sociology 1010 class from an amazing professor. Before registering for her next semester, she met with the Sociology advisor, planned out classes, and declared her major.  Loud and clear.  She was extremely proud of Sociology, the idea of social justice, and obtaining a few certificates along the way such as Criminology and a Writing certificate. Guess what people ask her when she tells them she's a Sociology major?  Guess what reactions (facial, body language, or otherwise) she receives when she says she's a Sociology major?  Can you see where I'm going with this?  The big question that eventually comes out:

What can you do with a major in Sociology?

As I see the smoke coming out of her head and her fists balled up at her sides, I can feel her pain. Her father, who has a Biology degree with a minor in Chemistry, tells her Sociology is not a real science. My stepmom treats her differently from my niece who is an Elementary Education major.  One of her high school science teachers looked disappointed as she proudly declared she was studying Sociology. The question always comes up, "What kind of job can you get with Sociology?  What are you doing with your life? Have you really thought about this?"  The following article is a wonderful look at parents and the ideas they put into their students' heads by asking a simple (yet loaded) question:

What can you do with a major in ......

http://www.chronicle.com/article/Stop-Asking-Me-My-Major/63453/

I keep telling my daughter, "As long as you love the subject area and you are successful with your coursework and grades, you'll find your path." This has already been proven with scholarships. During her second semester, she applied and was awarded a large scholarship through the Sociology department for her second year.  And, she's been talking a lot about Social Justice.  Her younger sister told her, "Why don't you go to Law School already?  Since you want to make a change?"  Guess what is on my oldest daughter's mind now?  Yup.  And her uncle, who was a state prosecutor for many years and is now a circuit court judge, is very excited about the prospect.  She's happy.  She's content. She's thriving.  And did I mention she's happy?  Read the article.  Find what you love.  Take some career assessments.  Speak with a career advisor.  In the end, with research and dedication, you'll find your path in life.  And you'll be successful.

For more information about career assessments, go to http://www.slcc.edu/academicadvising/career-advising/assessments.aspx