Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI

Major: Sociology BA

Minor: Community Action & Social Change (CASC)

Campus Organizations: I am part of the Global Scholars Program. Additionally, I try to attend as many events hosted by other students of color as possible. I enjoy anything culturally-oriented and social justice related.

Let's get to know Sean...

What inspired you to major in Sociology?

Growing up Black and poor made me question my social standing quite early and often. When I came across Sociology and realized that it could help me contextualize my experiences and answer some of those lingering questions, I was all in. I remember reading textbooks and seeing my lived experiences depicted in them and saying to myself, "Oh, that's what they call that? We call it this, but it's the same idea."

What classes have you most enjoyed? Why?

Probably SOC 295: Social Class in the College Community. It's a course on how one's social class impacts them in various settings (school, work, community, etc). The course has helped me make sense of my experience at the University of Michigan. There was definitely a class shock when I arrived here. For this reason I also enjoyed SOC 305. It introduced me to the work of Pierre Bourdieu and his concept called "habitus".

What advice would you give to students considering majoring Sociology at UM?

Think about who you want to represent. Sociology is revolutionary: It gives one a platform to voice the concerns of the vulnerable and it gives one the credibility to dismantle any negative discourse orbiting marginalized groups of people. Basically, one has the power to challenge people's perceptions by presenting new or nuanced information to the public. Who do you want to speak up for?

Have you participated in an internship or research experience?

Yes, I participated in UROP. My project was with Dr. Desmond Patton in the School of Social Work (who is now at Columbia). My project was on how African American adolescent males navigate through community violence and what programs or initiatives help steer them away from succumbing to the social pressures of their environment. 

What do you hope to do after graduating from Michigan?

Go straight to graduate school, continue to inspire Black people, and make my Momma proud.

Where is the best place in Ann Arbor to get late-night study food?

Pita Kabob Grill. Get the Chicken Shawarma Pita- thank me later.