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One key concept I learned in the first module on the sociological perspective is the individualistic perspective on social change. This perspective suggests that to improve the world, we must focus on putting the "right people" in charge or on changing individuals themselves. The reading, The Forest and the Trees, describes this saying “The way to make a better world is to put the “right people” in charge, or to make better people by liberating human consciousness in a New Age or by changing how children are socialized or by locking up or tossing out or killing people who won’t or can’t be better than they are” (Johnson). I learned that psychotherapy is increasingly seen as a way to change both individuals and the world. Meaning, that if enough people heal themselves through therapy, the world will heal itself as well. This approach frames collective problems, such as poverty or terrorism, as issues that can be resolved through individual solutions rather than collective action.

This idea stands out to me because it is a very personal-based approach to social change. When thinking of ways to address issues in the modern world, I think of approaches that involve a group effort, like laws that bind everyone to a standard. It is interesting to think about the emphasis on individual development or progress for the sake of the whole population. I learned about this briefly in my ethics class last year, and since I go to a Catholic school, there has been a great emphasis on the religious aspect of this. Learning about it in school, we went over if an individualistic approach aligns with Catholic Social Teachings. While the Church identifies the benefit of therapy for personal progress or the importance of individual growth for the entirety of society, it does not agree with the idea of “putting the right people in charge” or killing those who don’t get better. It was interesting to learn about it from a non-Catholic perspective, thus the idea stood out to me.

Another important idea from the module is how systems, like the Monopoly game, shape behavior and values. In a monopoly, greedy behavior is the path of least resistance and is what players are supposed to do to feel they belong. Players tend to see the game's rules as authoritative and rarely suggest changing them, even if they recognize the rules promote harmful behaviors. This is a reflection of how we see systems, often unfair but also out of our control, and thus not able to be changed by us. Johnson describes this in The Forest and the Trees saying “If we were the game, then we’d feel free to play by any rules we liked. But we tend not to see games—or systems—in that way. We tend to see them as external to us and therefore not ours to shape however we please” (Johnson).

This idea stood out to me specifically because of its comparison to the game Monopoly. Growing up, I played Monopoly very often with my family, and trust me, it often got very intense. Thinking about it now, it makes sense why it got so intense as the game inspires extremely greedy choices. Yet the rules of the game seemed unchangeable to my family and me, they are a reflection of how unfair systems are in fact changeable and in our control. I can connect this familiar family game that I grew up with to modern-day issues. For example, I may think the dress code at my school is unfair yet I cannot change it due to my lack of control/influence as a student. Yet, I do have control over this unfair system. I can collaborate with other students to inspire change or speak with the administration to consider changing the rules.

Both of these new ideas that I learned in the module stood out to me due to their connections to my personal life, and also due to the fact I hadn’t learned about them from this perspective before.

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A story from the education module that evoked strong emotions in me was the account of Alison found in the reading, "Keeping Us in Our Place”: Low-Income Moms Barred from College Success. This story evoked a lot of emotions within me, emotions of empathy and frustration, especially due to the connection I was able to make with it.

Alison was a 28-year-old single mother who would join a large population of women who had to drop out of higher education due to being mothers. Her child got sick, which meant she would have to take off work, lose her job, and not be able to attend school. The reading describes it saying, “Alison said she was doing well, pursuing her degree in criminal justice studies, but her junior year had gotten off to a rocky start, and she was “afraid about what’s coming” (Dodson and Deprez). Her story was heartbreaking and reflected the overarching issue of the inequalities single mothers face.

Her story resonated with me on a personal level, as I’ve seen similar struggles unfold in the lives of people close to me. My mom’s best friend, who was also a single parent, faced a similar situation. Balancing work, school, and childcare (she had a child at the start of college) was a daily struggle, and when her kid got diagnosed with a blood disease, she was forced to drop out of college. She was living in Texas at the time (around 2000), and I heard the story from my mom. While I was not around when it happened, my mom and her best friend told me the story a while ago, saying how hard the situation was and how it limited her options in life.

Reading Alison’s story reminded me of my mom’s friend, which made me feel even more upset. I think I was especially empathetic since I find it unfair that there is a country-wide pressure to avoid abortions and birth children, yet there aren’t enough resources for these newborn children, ultimately resulting in situations like Alison's. I am frustrated that women have to sacrifice their education and ultimately options for paths in life due to the lack of resources for mothers, single mothers especially. I find it hard to believe that women like Alison or my mom’s friend would have had to sacrifice their educations if they were simply given the right resources from the country that often pressures them to birth these children.

Alison's story reflects the importance of implementing policies that provide flexible childcare options, affordable healthcare, and financial support for low-income parents in higher education. These changes could make a significant difference in the lives of many people aiming to raise children and get educated.

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The gender inequality module was very interesting to me as an incoming female senior in high school. One reading from the module, The Gender Revolution on Greek Row, discussed life for sorority women in colleges and the harsh realities they often face. Specifically, it discussed the ideas of promiscuous behavior and sexual dangers on campus. The reading described it as saying, “However, having too many drunken hookups with too many different men is looked down upon. To have too many hookups unfold in clear sight of others at fraternity parties is seen as “sloppy.” Another difference is that sorority women now seriously discuss the problem of sexual assault in Greek life… requires male control of space for socializing is a set up for men’s sexual predatory behavior” (Ispa-landa and Risman).

This resonated with me for two reasons. One is that I have been exposed to a similar definition of “sloppy” through my experiences in high school. The other is my future intent to become a member of a sorority and having to consider these factors when choosing whether to become a member.

In high school, I have witnessed girls be shunned, slut-shamed, isolated, and overall mistreated for having too many drunken hook-ups. The idea that a girl is “sloppy” because she has hooked up with a lot of guys at parties is not only common in sorority houses but even in high schools. There is one girl, I will call her Renee, who is my age and attends a public school that I often run into when I go out with my friends. Over the last few years, Renee has gathered a reputation for kissing and sleeping with a lot of guys when she goes out. Her personal business has become spread among friend groups and she has been labeled as “easy”, “slutty”, and “sloppy”. The reading reminded me of her, as she has faced similar mistreatment due to her private choices. It really is not anyone’s business, so it is concerning when people are so involved in her personal life just like many are in the lives of sorority girls.

Furthermore, the reading resonated with me as I am considering joining a sorority when I join college. I want to experience the community and make connections, especially at a place like a college. Yet, after completing the module, I have started to rethink my choices. I am not sure if I want to insert myself in a toxic environment where I am at risk of getting judged, and even worse, preyed on sexually. These situations happen everywhere, but they are especially prominent in frats and sororities. Reading about these instances I wonder if it is really worth it to join and have to be extra protective of my mental well-being and safety. While I still have a year to think about it, it is definitely food for thought in the meantime.

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The fourth module about xenophobia and anti-immigration politics included parts that I was able to connect to the movie Cabrini, which was directed by Alejandro Gómez Monteverde. The film is about an Italian nun who came to New York City in the 20th century to spread Catholicism. She deemed New York City had neighborhoods that needed a lot of attention and help from God, especially the children living in the areas. She immigrated and opened up an orphanage for children, all while facing various struggles like xenophobia due to her heritage, a stubborn NYC government, and a lack of support from the Vatican.

It was a great film that I watched in the last year with my mom. Reading the reading, Is Unauthorized Immigration an Economic Drain on American Communities? Research Says No., strongly reminded me of this movie. The reading described the economic benefits of immigrants and their positive roles in communities. Specifically, it read, “Finally, academic research indicates that the presence of immigrant workers (both authorized and unauthorized) in the labor market has expanded the U.S. economy by an estimated 11 percent, representing an increase equivalent to $2 trillion of the GDP in 2016” (Marrow, Tyson, Pearce, Crowley, and Ebert). These figures are substantial and reflect the beneficial economic influence of immigrants, documented and undocumented. I connect these statistics to the story of Cabrini. Her immigration to New York not only helped those in the city, but it left a lasting impact on the globe, starting a chain of orphanages and homes for children and the most vulnerable in society. While her impact wasn’t exactly financial, it still reflects a huge positive impact, an impact that many immigrants today also make. Cabrini and modern-day immigrants both have shaped the US and helped form its financial, social, and religious identity. The reading reminded me of her story and supported the idea that immigrants are a crucial, necessary, and beneficial portion of our country.

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The gentrification module was particularly interesting to me as I grew up in San Francisco, a deeply gentrified city. The reading that evoked strong emotions in me was titled Behind Gentrification's Gloss. The reading included a story about Damian, a father who was pushed out of his apartment due to the landlord’s predatory tactics, an idea mentioned in the module. The apartment was in terrible condition and ultimately became a danger for Damien and his family. His situation was described saying,  “Despite a series of complaints to the city, a court case, coverage by the media, and mobilization by tenants, conditions only got worse, and Damian moved out because he couldn’t risk my kid’s life” (Duvisac and Baiocchi). This made me feel a lot of anger towards gentrification, New York landlords specifically.

The anger I feel reading about Damian’s situation stems from the blatant injustice and exploitation by landlords. The fact that they deliberately worsen living conditions to drive out long-term or low-income tenants is infuriating. It’s a stark reminder of how vulnerable populations are often manipulated and discarded in the pursuit of profit. This isn’t just about poor living conditions; it’s about the systemic displacement of people, stripping them of their homes and stability. Damian’s experience connects deeply to what I’ve learned about the broader implications of gentrification and housing policies. Gentrification is often discussed in terms of neighborhood improvements and the increase of wealthier residents, but Damian's story sheds light on the darker side of things. This exploitation is not only unethical but also highlights significant gaps in tenant protections and housing regulations.

In honesty, Damien’s story makes me angry but also makes me sad as I cannot image the stress of being forced out of a home while being responsible for children. His story makes me more aware of the dark sides of gentrification and makes me consider how gentrification has affected my city and its residents, effects that are overlooked and ignored.

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The 6th module about labor under capitalism included a reading titled Working for the Mouse: Inequality at Disneyland. This was my favorite reading of the whole course as it exposed the hypocrisy and dark truths of Disney. The reading included specific stats from a study that was conducted on Disney employees and their wages, it read as follows, “Almost three-quarters (73 percent) said that they did not earn enough to cover basic living expenses. More than two-

thirds (68 percent) were food insecure. Over half (56 percent) reported concerns about being evicted from their homes. Many couldn’t afford healthcare or dental coverage. Almost one-third

(31 percent) spent one or more hours commuting to work compared to only 4 percent of the workforce in Los Angeles and Orange Counties” (Dreier and Flaming). The study evoked emotions of frustration, specifically disgust. It’s infuriating to think that a company as successful and beloved as Disney, which markets itself as the "Happiest Place on Earth," doesn’t pay its employees enough to cover basic living expenses. These are hardworking people keeping the magic alive for millions of visitors, yet they struggle with such fundamental issues.

What’s particularly frustrating is the systemic nature of these problems. Many employees have long commutes because they can’t afford to live closer to work, highlighting issues with affordable housing and urban planning. And the fact that so many employees, especially single parents, struggle to balance work and childcare is a glaring sign that we need better support systems. It’s horrible to think that Disneyland could provide subsidized on-site childcare to help ease this burden, but they don’t.

It makes me think about how we need to push for fair wages, better healthcare, affordable housing, and accessible childcare for everyone, not just Disney employees. This situation is a stark reminder of the changes we need in our society to ensure that people can live with dignity and security. Recognizing these systemic issues fuels my passion for advocating for policies and changes that can make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s about making sure that everyone, no matter where they work, can achieve a decent standard of living and take care of their families without constant fear and insecurity.

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Two things really stood out to me in the 7th module about the environment and climate change.

First is the impact of media framing on public perception of climate migration. I've learned how sensationalist headlines about “climate refugees” can significantly shape the public's view. In the reading, The Migration and Climate Change Nexus, a sensationalist headline is described saying, “migrants are described as coming in large numbers, suggesting that they represent a crisis or a security threat to established democracies” (Morales-giner and Ramos).

Often, the media portrays these migrants either as a desperate group in crisis or as a looming threat, which can cause fear and reinforce negative stereotypes. This framing can lead to more stringent border controls, and often horrible conditions for migrants escaping unsafe conditions. For instance, the portrayal of climate migrants as an "invasion" can result in policies that prioritize security over addressing the root causes of migration, such as environmental degradation and economic instability. Understanding this media influence highlights the need for more balanced reporting. Instead of sensationalism, providing accurate information about how climate change impacts communities worldwide could inspire more effective discussions and actions. I had not learned about sensational reporting in terms of migrants prior to this course, so reading about it was informative but also surprising.

The second concept that stood out is the ineffectiveness of increased border securitization. The module revealed that despite a dramatic rise in border walls and security measures globally since the late 1990s, these barriers have done little to limit migration. Instead, they often exacerbate the difficulties faced by migrants without tackling the causes of their movement. The reading mentions this saying, “Such measures are unlikely to truly address the issue of climate change migration (or migration in general). In fact, there is little evidence that borders stop migration of any kind” (Morales-giner and Ramos). This reflects the importance of addressing migration at the root causes, such as unlivable environments, rather than tackling the issue through strict and often inhumane immigration tactics. I had not known about the ineffectiveness of border control prior to the reading. I was under the assumption border control did an overall effective job at limiting undocumented migration. Learning about its flaws, I have learned about the need for a shift in approach, from fear-driven and harsh responses to strategies rooted in empathy and practical solutions.

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The 8th module about fast fashion and beauty included a reading on immigrant entrepreneurs titled Immigrant Dreams. This reading resonated with me because my dad is a Polish immigrant who happens to be an entrepreneur in the United States. The reading discussed immigrant business owners saying, “ they embody the American dream: the idea that a person from any background, however humble, can start and run a viable business, earn a livelihood, and be her own boss” (Radhakrishnan). Furthermore, the reading describes that immigrant icons like Joe the Plumber tend to be based around a white male identity, which is what my dad is.

My dad immigrated to the United States 20 years ago from Poland. He was a taxi cab driver in Poland until he moved to the US. He always tells me how he came here with nothing and started his life in America by cleaning bathrooms in BART stations and sleeping in garages. Over the last 20 years, my dad has established a successful construction company that is based in the Bay Area. I am immensely proud of him, and automatically thought of him when completing the reading from the module.

Yet, the reading pointed out something that is relevant to my personal experience with my dad. My dad was in fact a white male. And while he embodies the “Immigrant entrepreneur in America dream”, it is also important to note his identity in all of it. While I am not discrediting my dad's intense and sacrificial hard work, I noticed that his experience in the US falls under a classic category that Joe the Plumber also does. It is interesting for me to think about my dad's history in America knowing that there tends to be a stereotype about successful immigrants. My dad embodies one of these American Dream success stories and also falls under the white male category, which doesn’t adequately describe most immigrants in the US. I thought this reading was particularly interesting as I was able to relate it to my dad and view his story through a more nuanced lens.

It made me think of all the other immigrant small-business owners that I know who are just as hardworking as my dad, yet they don’t fall under the same category as him due to their races or sexes, and thus will be treated differently in society.

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The healthcare module introduced me to two new concepts that were very interesting to me. First, the issue of white normativity in medical science has been particularly shocking. I learned that historically, medical research has predominantly used white male subjects, leading to a significant lack of understanding and research on how diseases affect people of color. For example, the module highlighted how the USPSTF's statement reflects a broader problem: the research on skin cancer risks in dark-skinned individuals has been minimal, largely because the focus has been on white skin. It was discussed in the reading Race, Erasure, and Skin Cancer Prevention Guidelines saying, “research about risk for skin cancer in patients with dark skin has not been prioritized or undertaken, so there are no studies from which to draw solid guidelines”.

This concept stands out because it reveals a systemic bias in medical research that has real-world implications for people of color. The lack of research on how diseases affect different skin tones can lead to inadequate prevention and treatment strategies. This is crucial because it highlights the need for more inclusive and representative research to ensure that all populations receive appropriate medical care. As a white woman, I have never had to worry about receiving medical care that wasn’t based on substantial evidence due to race. Reading about the disparities in research on POC’s health made me think about all of my friends and family members who have to consider this struggle. Honestly, it further helped me acknowledge my privilege and informed me about parts of the medical world that I had not known prior.

The second concept that struck me is the movement to "decolonize dermatology." Historically, medical textbooks and curricula have lacked representation of diverse skin tones, which means that medical professionals may be underprepared to diagnose and treat conditions in people with darker skin. This was mentioned in the reading says, “The movement to “decolonize dermatology” aims to disrupt White normative bias, including the lack of diverse skin tones represented in medical textbooks and academic curricula”.  This concept is particularly relevant because it highlights an ongoing effort to bring justice to the medical field. By advocating for more inclusive training and representation, the movement seeks to ensure that healthcare providers are better equipped to serve diverse populations. This is important not just for addressing existing disparities but also for fostering a more equitable healthcare system that can provide effective care to all individuals, regardless of their skin color.

The second concept stood out to me because it made me think about all the medical diagrams I have seen in textbooks over the years in biology or anatomy classes. Every single diagram that I can remember was a white person. Whether it was sex-ed or cell health, I only remember seeing diagrams of white people. The reading not only taught me about the concept of decolonizing dermatology, but it led me to reflect on my own education and how biology has been presented to me through a white-focused lens.

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The 10th module about fatphobia resonated with me as one of the readings, Everything You Know About Obesity is Wrong, involved a portion about the author’s mother who is overweight. I also grew up with an overweight mother and witnessed her struggles with not only her physical but her mental health.

Hobbes writes, “she never got out of the car when she picked me up from school, why she disappeared from the family photo album for years at a time, why she spent hours making meatloaf then sat beside us eating a bowl of carrots”. This section was particularly sad, as it reminded me of instances that I often witnessed growing up. I often experienced my mother denying meals multiple times a day or hiding herself in pictures on vacation. The reading evoked strong emotions of sadness and empathy, not only because of the author’s mother’s experiences but also because of the reminder of my mother's.

My anger and frustration are rooted in the recognition of how unfair weight stigma is. It's not just about the external judgments people face but also about the internal impacts on people. I cannot imagine the feelings my mother felt, and I am upset she lives in a society where she even had to feel them. It is not right that one's body type is the source of so much stress, anger, and embarrassment. Especially since the reading reminded me of my mother, it was hard to read about the harsh circumstances the author’s mother faced due to her weight. I believe that everyone is beautiful for their own reasons, and physical appearance should never make one feel less than as it is all subjective and irrelevant in the long run. The lengths to which overweight people go due to their insecurities are extremely saddening and are due to society's overbearing and unnecessary expectations. While the reading made me feel emotions of anger and empathy, it also made me feel grateful that there are other humans in the world who view weight, beauty, and everything in between similarly. I was able to relate to the author in a way, and learning about fatphobia through the reading was impactful.

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Finally, I chose to complete my final reflection on the 11th module on transphobia. I experienced something in the airport bathroom right after finishing the module that led me to write my final reflection on it. The reading, Bathroom Battlegrounds and Penis Panics, included a section on the different stances on sex-separated bathrooms, and how transgender people should use restrooms in public spaces.

One opposition to trans-inclusive policies was described in the reading saying, “opponents to trans-inclusive policies proposed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire in 2009 and 2010 repeatedly discussed that these policies would, as The Associated Press reported, “put women and children at risk.” It was in these fears of “risk” that the image of the sexual predator emerged” (Schilt and Westbrook). It is said that a common argument against trans-inclusive policies is the fear of sexual harassment in restrooms from transgender folks. This resonated with me as I used the restroom in Germany. I had gotten off the flight from Poland to Munich and walked to the bathroom. While washing my hands, a male worker walked in and started changing the towels and soap. It was completely normal, but it made me think about how those who oppose trans-inclusivity would react. Considering they believe that it is dangerous for transgender people to use bathrooms due to risks of sexual predation, wouldn’t this also inspire conversations about potential sexual predation? He was a man after all, and he was in a bathroom with women. I wondered how this instance is normalized, yet there is such a great fuss over transgender bathroom usage. Does an occupation change someone's intentions?

My experience was not crazy or anything, but it made me think about what I had learned from the transphobia module about anti-trans inclusivity arguments and the hypocrisy we often witness in society. I genuinely wonder how some people would react to a male worker in a female restroom, and if they would also start claiming that there was a heightened risk of sexual predation like they do with transgender people.