Idea from the reading:

Johnson emphasizes that while individuals aren't systems, systems are made up of individuals. Often, people blame individuals for problems without considering the larger systems those individuals exist within.

My interpretation:

This idea helped reframe the way I’ve viewed my own experience with loneliness. For a long time, I assumed the reason I struggled to make friends after moving to Almaden was because something was wrong with me—that I was too shy or socially awkward. But Johnson's argument helped me realize that the structure around me mattered too. COVID made connection difficult, and there weren’t systems in place to support new students like me.

Personal connection:

Understanding that my situation wasn’t entirely my fault gave me some much-needed self-compassion. I began to see that social systems play a huge role in shaping behavior. I wasn’t the only one who felt disconnected—others probably did too. This helped me open up and eventually build the friendships I had been missing.

Idea from the reading:
Johnson describes culture as not just major traditions or holidays, but the everyday symbols, language, and rituals that give meaning to our lives.

My interpretation:
This definition challenged how I usually think about culture. I used to associate it mostly with ethnicity or national traditions. Johnson expanded that view, making me realize how culture shows up in the smaller, routine parts of life.

Personal connection:
One of the most meaningful parts of my life was going to In-N-Out with my friends after our high school soccer games. It may not seem significant from the outside, but to me it's a tradition that represents connection and belonging. That tradition became a symbol of friendship and stability during a time when a lot of things in my life felt uncertain. Johnson helped me recognize the cultural importance of those moments.

Idea from the reading:
Mills argues that a small group of elites—top political, military, and economic leaders—hold a disproportionate amount of power in society. Ordinary people often have little influence over the decisions that affect them.

My interpretation:
This idea made me reflect on how much control is concentrated in the hands of a few, even in spaces that are supposed to be community-driven. It’s easy to feel powerless or out of place when leadership doesn't reflect the diversity of the community it serves.

Personal connection:
When I first joined a nonprofit music organization, I noticed that most leadership roles were filled by people from similar backgrounds. It made me hesitate to get involved, since I wasn’t sure if I belonged. But the more I participated, the more I realized how important it is for diverse individuals to step up and represent different perspectives. Mills’ idea made me aware of how power operates, and how necessary it is to challenge it by getting involved at any level I can.

Idea from the reading:
Johnson explores how people tend to label others as “it” instead of “you,” treating them as objects instead of real people. This dehumanization can make it easier to dismiss, hurt, or ignore others.

My interpretation:
This idea connected with me me. I realized how often people move through life without truly seeing others, especially when those people seem different, unfamiliar, or uncomfortable to engage with.

Personal connection:
There was a period where I felt alone in school. A friend once told me he hadn’t even realized we had a class together for two months. Johnson helped me understand why it impacted me so much—it wasn’t just that I was overlooked, it was that I was being treated like an “it,” not a “you.” That realization has made me more intentional about acknowledging others, especially those who seem left out.

Idea from the reading:
Best explains how statistics can be used to mislead people, especially when they’re taken out of context, exaggerated, or used to support biased narratives.

My interpretation:
This made me more cautious about the numbers I see in media and politics. Just because a stat sounds scientific or official doesn’t mean it tells the whole truth.

Personal connection:
During the pandemic, I saw a lot of misinformation being spread, especially around social media. Some people I knew would quote “statistics” to support harmful or discriminatory beliefs, especially when talking about certain racial or ethnic groups. Reading Best’s work gave me the tools to question where those numbers were coming from, and what stories they were really trying to tell.

Idea from the reading:
Durkheim argues that crime, while often viewed as harmful, can also serve a purpose in society. It brings people together in shared outrage, clarifies moral boundaries, and can even lead to social change.

My interpretation:
This was surprising to me. I always thought crime only represented dysfunction or failure. But Durkheim made me see that it can reveal what a society values, and what it's willing to fight for or against.

Personal connection:
It made me reflect on how even moments of tension or conflict in my own life—like arguments or mistakes—have helped me figure out what kind of person I want to be. I used to avoid any kind of “wrong,” but now I understand that sometimes growth comes from facing those moments head-on.

Idea from the reading:
Connell argues that masculinity itself isn’t the problem—it’s the harmful versions of it. We should rethink masculinity, not reject it.

My interpretation:
This really stuck with me. For a long time, I thought I had to act a certain way to be “masculine”—tough, quiet, never emotional. Connell helped me see that those rules aren’t fixed.

Personal connection:
There was a time when I felt like I had to hide how I felt, even from close friends. But as I started opening up more, especially during team practices and casual hangouts, I realized that people actually respected vulnerability. That helped me redefine what masculinity means to me—being honest, not pretending.

Idea from the reading:
Harris uses the sociological imagination to show how things like dating or relationships aren’t just personal choices—they’re shaped by what’s going on in the world around us.

My interpretation:
It reminded me that sometimes, our choices are about more than just preferences or personality. There are so many outside factors that influence how we live.

Personal connection:
I used to think I was just “bad” at social stuff. But now I realize that uncertainty, anxiety, and even things like time and energy are part of the picture. When you’re trying to juggle school, responsibilities, and figuring out your future, relationships naturally become harder to manage. It helped me be more patient with myself.

Idea from the reading:
Gavigan talks about how the “model minority” stereotype oversimplifies what it means to be Asian American and puts unfair pressure on people.

My interpretation:
This helped me understand why I’ve felt like I had to live up to a certain standard, especially in school. It’s not just about wanting to do well—it’s also about not wanting to “fail” the expectations other people already have.

Personal connection:
I struggled a lot in chemistry and ended up having to teach myself most of it. I remember feeling like I couldn’t ask for help because people expected me to be naturally good at it. This reading helped me understand that I’m not alone in feeling that way, and that asking for help doesn’t mean I’m letting anyone down.

Idea from the reading:
Sternheimer talks about how college can feel isolating for low-income students, not just financially, but socially and culturally too.

My interpretation:
Even though I’m not low-income, I really related to the feeling of not knowing the “unwritten rules” and being afraid to ask questions. That kind of pressure can make you feel like you don’t belong.

Personal connection:
The first time I went to the gym, I didn’t know how to use any of the machines and didn’t want to ask anyone. I ended up embarrassing myself. That fear of looking clueless carried over into school too. Reading this reminded me that it’s okay to not know everything—and that learning often starts by asking for help.