Let's get to know James... 

Hometown: Jasckson Heights, New York

Major/Minor: Sociology Major; A/PIA Studies Minor

Campus Organization(s): Advocacy Chair of the United Asian American Organizations, Co-President of Jam Club, Michigan Student Power Network, Uncover: A/PIA

 

What inspired you to major in Sociology?

Prior to declaring a major in Sociology, I was majoring in Mechanical Engineering and I thought there was a disconnect as I looked forward to my sociology classes much more than my other core classes. The intro class and SOC 354: Law and Society had material that was engaging and used more critical thinking. I decided to major after realizing that I found that my own passions were more in line with what Sociology had to offer.

 

What classes have you most enjoyed? Why?

Currently, I am in SOC204: International Migration and SOC461: Social Movements. These two classes have been my favorites so far, because both classes have course readings and material that furthers my own knowledge in both areas. Professor Kim and Professor Gastón provided avenues for me to help contextualize concepts and phenomena in a more thoughtful manner.

 

What do you hope to do after graduating from Michigan?

I hope to do something that is fruitful for my growth and the growth of others around me. I would also like to continue learning about Asian American studies and perhaps going further into academia to find a synthesis between sociology and Asian American studies.

 

Have you participated in an internship or research experience?

Not specific to sociology, no. 

 

What advice would you give to students considering a major in Sociology at U-M?

It's a really good department to help flesh out your own understandings of social dynamics and the social world. There is a lot to learn with such a diverse course list and Sociology has so many options for one to explore!

 

Where is the best place in Ann Arbor to get late-night study food?

Those Pizza House milkshakes that are hardly milkshakes and just a ton of ice cream in a Styrofoam cup.