Samuel Potts

he/him/his

Hometown: Montrose, CO

Major: Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice

 

How did you decide to study Sociology? 

Sociology provided me with the knowledge necessary to understand our social connections and how our position in society directly affects us. At the time of my first college class ever, I wanted to be a counselor at a rehabilitation center. Now that my passion for prison reform has grown and my vision has changed, sociology is still the best route for me to be an advocate for change. Instead of just studying sociology, I now have a concentration in Criminology, which provides a unique perspective on how we manage criminality within differing societies.

 

Why did you choose CSU? 

CSU made the most sense when it came to location, finances, and all the practical elements. But CSU also represented a place that welcomed diversity and a culture of inclusivity that attracted me compared to other schools in the state.

 

What skills have you learned and how do you plan to apply them?

Through my time at CSU, I have learned how to network, especially within professional settings, a skill that is useful once college is over. In addition, I have learned how to carry out ethical and impactful research, which I hope makes me a better sociologist in the future. Both things are relevant to my career and my place within society as a whole.

 

What clubs/organizations are you involved in? (on campus or off)

Reisher Cohort 2024, SSS, Community For Excellence, AAC

  

What are you looking forward to during Education Abroad in Prague?

During my time abroad, I look forward to immersing myself in the culture and amongst the locals. Including things like eating traditional cuisine, attending local events, and spending my time within the city itself. It will be fascinating to be a student within a different community where social norms differ. In addition, studying how the Czech laws address crime and observing how such approaches could offer insight into our own decisions as a country.

 

A favorite class or professor and why:

Two semesters ago, I took a course named Health, Medicine and Society that discussed the inequalities in health care that individuals experience based on their social status and the environment around them. The course material was extremely relevant to me due to personal experiences, but Prof. Pat Mahoney was also a great professor. Professor Mahoney has so much care and passion for what he teaches, and you can feel it through the lectures and stories alike. Courses like this only become more relevant in a society as ever-changing as ours, and we need professors like Mahoney to keep the passion behind education alive.

 

A favorite CSU memory: 

My favorite CSU memory is the CSU vs Maryland game right up to the last few seconds of the game. Brothers was packed, and the whole town erupted, and within five minutes, the same town was devastated. Truly a prime example of an emotional rollercoaster.

 

What are you pursuing after graduation? 

After graduation, I am attending grad school in Colorado to pursue a Master’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. This next step will better prepare me for the world of criminology, specifically in my attempt to decriminalize addiction within the United States. After receiving my degree, I hope to work within policy to change how we view substance abuse within the criminal justice system.

 

Anything additional you’d like to share?

Lebron is the G.O.A.T