Teaching Sociology by James

Teaching Sociology by James - August 2017 Scholarship Essay

If I were to become a college professor I would definitely be teaching sociology. More specifically I would teach an introductory course to sociology. The reason being is because sociology covers such a wide range of different unique and interesting topics that are normally hidden from the general public. These topics allow for any individual’s knowledge to grow significantly therefore allowing them to be more aware of the world they live in. I know for a fact that after I took my first course in sociology my life changed in that I finally found what I would be pursuing my degree in.
In all honesty I actually have considered teaching at a college or university once I have completed my undergrad as well as graduate school education. Sociology courses that I have taken have spoken honestly to me through various readings of novels and essays which helped me become better prepared on how to make the right attempts at making this world a better place to live. My introductory course that I would teach would reflect the course that I have already taken but with my own twists and turns as well as with the teaching of more current topics. I realized from a young age that I wanted to help people and teaching the youth of our country about what is right and wrong with not only this country but world is one of the most effective ways to help change lives for the better. My students would in return be able to grow up having learned from all the current mistakes being made so that they could hopefully create a better nation to live in and pass down that knowledge to the new younger generation. I would be opening my students’ eyes and give them a much needed perspective in regard to their everyday lives. It would definitely not be easy seeing as there are always going to be students who would have opposing views on certain topics, but I would not be there to belittle them or tell them they are wrong. I would be there to show them truth and to make them think in ways they have not considered. It would be my responsibility to help my students get out of their comfort zones and hopefully leave them wanting to learn more.
My current favorite professor at my university, Professor O’Connell from the University of California at Irvine, taught Intro to Sociology. He teaches a variety of sociology classes and I have taken the majority of them, but I still have a couple that I need and want to take. I have considered actually going into teaching this subject because Professor O’Connell told us one night that since he is nearing the end of his career it is going to be our responsibility to continue learning and teaching each other all that this subject has to offer so that we can continue to fight the good fight. That really resonated with me and made me value the privilege I have to be able to receive higher education and share my wealth of knowledge with every person I encounter. By teaching Intro to Sociology I would be able to continue the work of not only Professor O’Connell, but of all professors out there who are doing everything they can to teach their students to make a difference in their communities, in this country and in this world.