Discovering Passion and Purpose: A Scholar’s Journey from Engineering to Sociology

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery often requires courage, especially when it involves stepping away from the familiar and embracing the unknown. For Nancy, a junior at UC Merced, this journey led her from an initial focus on Environmental Engineering to a thriving passion for Sociology and research.

Originally an Environmental Engineering major, the pivotal moment came when Nancy enrolled in her first sociology class. Exposed to topics rarely broached in her previous coursework, she found herself captivated by the open discussions and thought-provoking content. The experience ignited a spark within her, prompting a shift in focus towards sociology.

Nancy embraced the challenge of switching majors, determined to carve out her own path in an effort to fully explore her interests. Reflecting on her journey, she remarks on the tremendous personal growth she experienced, discovering leadership skills and a sense of purpose she never anticipated. She proudly stated, “I saw so much new growth in me in my first year and I’m still growing in a sense of leadership and other skills that I didn’t like except that I was gonna do in high school.”

In the fall of 2023, Nancy made another significant leap, venturing into the realm of research. Fascinated by the intersection of sociology, communications, and business, Nancy embarked on a mission to explore the legal and ethical implications surrounding family content creators. Her focus on digital content creation and child welfare captures the reality of the permanence of online information and its potential impact on vulnerable individuals. Focusing solely on the law and policy side of this issue, Nancy’s research intertwines information from federal, state, and local legislation. 

Despite initial hardships and potential uncertainties, Nancy finds the research process difficult but extremely rewarding. She envisions her work contributing to a broader conversation on digital safety and hopes to see it integrated into academic curricula, reflecting the evolving landscape of online media and this budding topic within our society.

Beyond academia, Nancy harbors aspirations of attending law school, driven by a passion for advocating for systemic change within the criminal justice system. Her multifaceted interests extend beyond her studies, as she actively engages in campus organizations and leadership roles, fostering a sense of community and purpose.

This year, Nancy will showcase her research during her college’s annual Research Week. Reminiscing on her own path, she reflects on the transformative journey that brought her here. Her story serves as a testament to the power of embracing uncertainty, stepping outside one’s comfort zone, and following passions, wherever they may lead. 

In sharing her experiences, Nancy offers advice to those navigating their own paths of self-discovery. She encourages others not to be afraid to get lost. Explore, try new things, and don’t worry about the outcome, she urges. “Being ‘lost’ can be fun because you get to find out what you like and what you do not like. She explained with a smile, “when you’re lost… you’re open minded to everything. You’re not committed to anything. And if you don’t like something, it’s not the end of the world. That’s okay. Everyone that’s been lost, they’re fine. You’re going to be okay. You’re going to find what you want to do.”