Graduation Year: 2012
Major:
Why did you choose Sociology?
I chose sociology because during sophomore year I had no idea what to major in and I had to choose one. So I chose sociology. After graduating with the degree, I realize that I chose sociology because I was curious who I was and how I fit into American society as a second-generation Korean American. I also was curious about how everyone else fit into society depending on their race, class, generation, etc.
Which courses made the most impression on you?
The courses that made the greatest impression on me were Asians in America and Sociology of Religion (taught by ), Sociology of Education (taught by ) and American Suburbanization (taught by ). All these classes greatly increased my passion for sociology while also increasing my understanding of American society around me. They specifically gave me great context on how I will need to observe society and live my life as an individual greatly influenced by society. Ultimately, these classes gave a passion to bring the gospel into these areas of brokenness and systemic evils.
How did that affect your career choice?
These classes allowed me to see American society with multiple lenses and sociological understandings. Thus, my heart broke for the need of the church to present in ALL facets of these areas. The church not being the only solution to these societal ills and societal challenges, but how the church needs to be more responsive in handling these issues. So I have chosen to pursue this challenge by pursuing full-time ministry in the church or other non-profit areas.
Which professors impacted you?
Dr. Kim probably had the greatest impact on me. He was my personal mentor, teacher, and big brother. He was direct, honest, personal, and loving in the classroom and outside the classroom. His passion for learning and the gospel was contagious, so I am greatly thankful for him and his work. He chose to not back down on the content and rigor of the material. You did not go to class with an attitude to get just an A, but to reap knowledge and understanding that can impact your life in the present and the future.
How and why did you choose to follow your path beyond graduation?
I chose this path from the words of others, my prayer times, and the decisions I made at Wheaton College. I am not too far out, so I am just deciding to be faithful with the choices I have made now.
What are you doing now?
Today, I am a Trinity Evangelical Divinity Seminary student getting my Masters of Divinity Degree. My hopes is to enter into pastoral ministry with correct theology and a good grasp on sociology and culture around me. Thus, when I engage with the word and the original languages, my mind always thinks about how this can be used and addressed in sociological relevant terms for the church and the culture. I also work with a small non-profit organization called Heart for the City. It is a small organization that helps train churches and urban ministries while also organizing prayer and immersion efforts in the city of Chicago.
What advice could you give a potential major?
The advice I would give to a potential major is choose sociology for the sake of learning and becoming a more holistic Christian. You won't gain practical job experiences like some majors (business/sciences). But you will gain skills in how to become a life-long learner. Sociology will widen your worldview and understanding of yourself, others, and society. It won't be easy and the statistics might be frustrating. But being a Christian sociology major will enable you to look past the brokenness and systemic injustices around the world to see a savior who is able to save everyone. Sociology will prepare you for any job you take and will make the Word of God become more real to you as you delve in the world of Sociology.