Dylan Witte

she/her/hers

Hometown: Highlands Ranch, Colorado

Major: General Sociology

 

How did you decide to study Sociology?

I chose to study sociology because it takes the overwhelming and often chaotic social world and tries to make sense of it.  Graduating high school and searching for your place in college can make you feel small, and sociology allowed me to see myself and others from a new perspective.  I have always had a love for “people,” which at times felt so general or too broad.  Coming into college and only knowing that passion for people to be true of myself, I took my first sociology course, and the pieces started to fall into place for me.  Sociology allows me to put core aspects of myself into practice and helps me to understand and challenge a world much bigger than myself.

 

Why did you choose CSU?

Finding CSU was not a direct journey for me.  I started at a different university and transfered to CSU after my sophomore year, and I am so glad that I did.  CSU and Fort Collins offer a feeling of a “home away from home.”  I chose CSU because I had not yet felt like I had found my place, and transferring here was me taking another chance at just that.  Being a transfer student can be intimidating, but CSU has made sure to help ease the anxiety that comes with change by fostering an environment built for connecting with others.

 

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

As a sociology student, I have expanded my critical thinking skills by reimagining the world through social patterns at both micro and macro scales. Sociology encourages me to understand how others may fit into society, and this skill shows up in even my day-to-day interactions, as my coursework has prompted me to be curious and engaged with multiple perspectives.  I believe a degree in sociology provides more than analytical skills – it encourages empathy – a skill that is applicable in all aspects of life.

 

A favorite class or professor and why: 

In my one year so far at CSU, I have been lucky enough to have Professor Viera both semesters.  Professor Viera emphasizes the importance of history, and how it can encourage us as students to shape the future.  Professor Viera makes all of her students feel heard, even if their voices are not loud.

 

A favorite CSU memory:

I can’t yet boil it down to one experience – I have loved meeting new people and taking interesting classes.

 

What are you pursuing after graduation?

Going into my senior year, I am not yet sure of the path I want to follow post-grad.  Sociology allows for so many different avenues, and I have not quite narrowed down which one is meant for me.  I am excited to try out different career paths and find what fits best.  As long as I am able to work with others creatively and collaboratively, I am happy!