Brockport Today

Alysha Rios

What attracted you to SUNY Brockport?

It was the right price, being a SUNY school. It was just one of those schools that worked out. I decided to stay after my first year because I really liked the people here.

Why did you choose to major in sociology?

I originally came here as a nursing intent major, but it wasn’t for me. I took SOC 100 and prior to that I didn’t even know sociology was a thing. Learning about the subject made me think that this was really something I wanted to do with my life.

What has been your favorite course?

My favorite sociology class hands down was Sociology of Deviance with Denise Copelton. We discussed really cool things like ghosts and tattoos. It was just a really interesting class.

Who have been some of your favorite professors?

Pretty much all of them. They have all been so influential and invested in me and my future, it would be impossible to choose just one.

Are you involved in any clubs or organizations?

I am president of the Organization for Students of African Descent, a group on campus that advocates for students that are a population of color. We are the umbrella organization for all culture clubs. I coordinate different events, delegate tasks, make sure everyone is up to date, and ensure that we are always sticking to our mission. I am also the dance coordinator for the African Student Union.

What is your minor?

I am an interdisciplinary research minor. I recently did a focus group study about academic achievement and engagement. I study how different groups of students feel engaged in the College and if that effects their academic achievement.

What is your dream job?

I want to take all the skills that I have learned from the major and work with a nonprofit organization and be one of the people that make a direct change in the world. Sociology has prepared me to understand everyone’s world views and how to react to them appropriately.

Do you have any advice to give to a prospective sociology major?

If you are thinking about sociology for a major, just go for it. Our department at Brockport is very invested in its students. I could walk into any of my professor’s offices and talk to them about anything.

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