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Sociology, B.A. | Class of
Torisha Khonach
Doctoral Candidate/Instructor
Employer: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Job description: My job incorporates both research and teaching responsibilities. I am currently a Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas studying the intersections of race, gender, class, and parental embodiment. I explore the ways that ideologies and norms "construct" appropriate parenting bodies, coming from the perspective that our bodies are central sites of control. I also teach classes independently at various universities while completing my degree. Additionally, I am a graduate representative for the American Sociological Association in the Body and Embodiment section and regularly participate in scholarly conferences and various research projects.
About Torisha
Why did you choose this program?
I chose the Sociology MA program because I also attended College of the Redwoods for my AA and HSU for my BA. I adore the area and felt immensely supported by my sociology faculty throughout my BA program and felt confident that they would help me in the transition from undergrad to graduate student. I found it important that the program emphasized public sociology, meaning that they want their students to also be involved in the community rather than staying within academia. I also knew that there were some teaching assistant opportunities for graduate students and faculty regularly take on graduate students for research work, giving additional experience to prepare students for life after graduation.
How did this program prepare you for your job?
This program adequately prepared me for furthering both my research and teaching jobs. It is rare for a graduate program to have a class on pedagogy, but the sociology MA program offered a class that prepared graduates to teach at community colleges. With this class, I was actually able to start teaching at College of the Redwoods while simultaneously finishing my MA degree. These skills translated easily into my Ph.D. program, where I was able to begin teaching independently rather quickly which also affords me funding opportunities in my current program. My research from my MA program is also in the process of becoming a published article and has helped me develop the methodologies for my Ph.D. dissertation.
What did you enjoy most about the program?
I truly did enjoy my faculty. Every faculty member in the department was incredibly supportive and was always willing to help and support me throughout both my BA and MA program. I was supported not only in the type of research I wanted to do but also supported in being pushed to my fullest potential as a student and eventual colleague.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
For the MA program, my main advice for graduate students is to always try and build communities with others in your department. Graduate school can be incredibly isolating and it is so important to find your people! Also, talk to your faculty! They are there to help you and are more than happy to do so. You can work with them through various issues, such as classwork, research, internships, and general support.