There is a saying that “talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.” This resonates deeply with me as a first-generation college student, reflecting the educational opportunities I missed growing up in a low-income, working-class family. This insight has shaped my career as a sociologist of education and an educator who recognizes the crucial role education plays in shaping lives and its transformative power. A pivotal moment in my undergraduate studies was learning C. Wright Mills’ sociological imagination, which showed me how societal factors shape personal experiences and life opportunities. This realization drives my commitment to addressing educational inequities by teaching others about the interconnectedness of the individual and society, highlighting that opportunities are not equally available to everyone. At the core of my teaching philosophy is a dedication to nurturing every student’s talent and providing them with the opportunities to thrive.
With over six years of teaching experience, I have taught the following undergraduate courses at Texas A&M University:
Classical Sociological Theory
Three semesters; Five sections
Research Methods
Sociology of Education
In addition to teaching, I have served as a Teaching Assistant in the following courses:
Seminar in Sociological Research: Quantitative Analysis (graduate course)
Classical Sociological Theory
Introduction to Sociology