“Since our department is relatively small, I’ve had the chance to get to know several other S/A students after sharing classes with them, which is a nice way to build community.”
Harper decided to major in Sociology and Anthropology after taking Intro to Sociology and appreciating the inquisitive nature of the course material, saying “It was fascinating to unpack social institutions, interactions, and norms through analytical lenses.”
Since then, Harper has found an environment that is diverse and community-oriented in which students are able to bring their own various perspectives into conversations. She appreciates the small class sizes within the department, which has helped foster friendships with other classmates.
Harper has also built valuable connections with faculty members within the Sociology department, particularly Dr. Suzanne Wilson, who she describes as “one of the most caring, supportive, and genuine professors I’ve had during my time at Gustavus.” Harper enjoys Dr. Wilson’s commitment to her students, and has valued her both as an academic advisor, as well as a professor who pushes her to improve her analytical skills and theoretical knowledge.
As a whole, Harper appreciates the Sociology faculty for the passion that they put into their course content, as well as the career opportunities and resources that they provide their students. She says, “Many of the topics covered in S/A major classes, like economic inequality, health equity, and discrimination, impact my future career, and I have greatly appreciated the ability to approach those topics academically before facing them in the workplace.”
Outside of academics, Harper is also a member of the Gustavus Wind Orchestra, Chamber Winds, and Theta Xi Gamma sorority.