Meet Our Peer Advisors for 2024-2025

Our peer advisors are Sociology students who can answer your questions and share their experiences regarding the Sociology major, sociology courses and sociological interests.

About Jaden:

Your favorite class/professor (and why): My favorite class has been SOC 1: Intro to Sociology with Professor Tomás Jimenez. SOC 1 helped me find my passion for Sociology and cultivate a “Sociological Imagination.” Coincidentally, Professor Jimenez also went to high school with my mom not too far from Stanford!

Favorite book (and why): My favorite book is the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. In my opinion, a must read for anyone looking to navigate the challenges life can throw at you. It taught me the value of faith and worry is never necessary.

Your career goals and future plans: My career aspirations include obtaining a Ph.D. in Sociology or a social psychology-related field. I plan to use my academic experience to be a college professor or practicing clinical psychologist.

About Shae:

Your favorite class/professor (and why): I really enjoyed Urban Education with María Velazquez and Professor Pearman. We learned about the forces contributing to enrollment, funding, and teacher retention challenges. The course also looked at how schools can prioritize historical redress in the closure and consolidation process by working directly with San Francisco Unified.

Favorite book (and why): Any short from Bradbury Stories, an anthology of Ray Bradbury’s work, because he’s always been my comfort author, and I love that he interrogates the (im)possible.  

Your career goals and future plans:  I am looking at careers in policy, classroom teaching, concert production, law, or youth development. I would also love to open a record shop!

About Ava:

Your favorite class/professor (and why): My favorite class I have taken is SOC 118: Social Movements and Collective Action with Lisa Hummel. It was one of my first sociology classes and it solidified my interest in the major. Many of my Sociology professors have fostered a community in the classroom that encourages conversation and learning from each other, and this class was no different. I learned so much about different topics I was passionate about and how to look at them through a Sociological lens. I had the pleasure of also taking Sociology of Gender with Lisa Hummel the following quarter.

Favorite book (and why): My favorite book is Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. I started reading it with my dad this summer and enjoyed discussing the book with him. I have lots of fun memories of reading with my dad growing up, and it was nice to start doing it again.

Your career goals and future plans:  I plan to attend law school after working for a year or two. I have not decided on a specific area of law yet, but I want to ensure my career is centered around helping others. Based on my recent work experience, I am interested in becoming a public defender.

Office hours are by appointment in-person or over Zoom to accommodate everyone’s schedules. Please book a time that works for you through my Calendly. If none of the listed times work, feel free to email me a few options that fit your schedule. Looking forward to chatting with you!

About Kimberly:

Your favorite class/professor (and why): My favorite class was with Professor Grusky in SOC 12SC: Guaranteed Income: A Bold Experiment to Reduce Inequality. This class was a part of Sophomore College! I enjoyed it because of its hands-on quality. As a class, we designed our research methodology and started doing actual sociology research. 

Favorite book (and why): As a Creative Writing minor and book lover, it’s so hard to pick a favorite book. However, I would have to say The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan. I probably would not be a Creative Writing minor or love books as much if I didn’t read this book in elementary school. 

Your career goals and future plans: I intend to apply for law school in the Fall of 2025. I’m still discovering which area of the law I would like to pursue, but either way I want my work to feel purposeful!