Rianka Roy ’24 Ph.D., a PhD student from Kolkata, India, graduated from the Department of Sociology. Appreciating UConn’s status as a public university, she “immediately accepted” the university’s offer and came to the United States in 2019 to begin her Ph.D. after studying for several years in India.
Why did you choose to go to UConn?
I chose UConn because the department appealed to me in terms of its resources, faculty expertise, and course offerings. The Department of Sociology is also very diverse in terms of faculty; I was familiar with the work of many international scientists and wanted to work with them.
Also, I really think that public education systems democratize access to education. So, since UConn is a public school, I really appreciate that it opens doors to students from different backgrounds.
What drew you to your field of study?
I was very curious about sociological perspectives on aspects of labor and migration. In these areas, sociology has the tools and theoretical resources to challenge our assumptions about the unequal social structures that shape the way we view work and migration. I was really drawn to the field of sociology and I think I made the right choice.
What activities did you participate in as a student?
I am part of Sociologists for Women in Society, a feminist group of sociologists, and I went to the United Nations twice to attend the Commission on the Status of Women as a delegate representing them. It was a great opportunity to learn about feminist work and action happening around the world. I also work with the American Sociological Association and the Labor Tech Research Network, both of which have allowed me to build a global connection with colleagues around the world.
What is one thing that surprised you about UConn?
Definitely the size of the campus. I had no idea how big the campus was, not only in terms of land, but also because of how vibrant campus life is. I was an instructor for students for several years while earning my Ph.D. My students talked about different clubs and activities and it was really fascinating to hear.
What was it like starting college during the pandemic?
I started my program in 2019 so when COVID-19 hit it was very stressful. Online classes were very isolating and alienating. As an international student, I didn’t get to visit my family for several years. But I know it would have been worse if I didn’t have the support and encouragement of the sociology faculty. They really acted like family and brought us all together. We’ve been doing Zoom happy hours on Sundays to talk about our worries and it’s been a good way to decompress during this stressful time.
What are your plans after graduation?
I have been accepted to Wake Forest University in North Carolina, where I will be joining as a graduate assistant.
How did UConn prepare you for the next chapter in life?
Academically, my department motivated and supported me to explore different directions. I have already published several parts of my dissertation. Also, the formal and informal mentoring I received at UConn was really helpful.
Any tips for incoming students?
UConn is a great university that holds the values of serving its community and keeping the space diverse and welcoming to student groups and encouraging diverse voices to be part of the conversation. So I would encourage students to participate in programs and activities and explore different parts of campus and get involved with the community. Masters programs can seem very stressful at times, but there are times when you can relax not only with your friends but also with community members.
What is one thing everyone should do while at UConn?
Go to the milk bar! But I would seriously encourage current and prospective students to appreciate the values of UConn and the way it is embedded in and gives back to the community.
