Matthew Johnston

“Carleton University’s Ph.D. program in Sociology encouraged me to go in my own direction, nurture and develop my own research interests, and build connections and networks within and beyond the department – so that’s what I did. I believe the program is what you make it, and that journey left me with many favourable memories, and people I will surely call friends for the rest of my life. I will be honest: Not all of my dreams and ambitions came true, and I was challenged in ways I did not anticipate. But working through those struggles, and developing professionally along the way, helped me realize my skills and what I can offer the world outside of academia. I graduated from the program an accomplished sociologist, scholar, researcher, instructor, father, husband, musician, softball champion, and friend to many. I worked incredibly hard, but I couldn’t have achieved what I did without the support of faculty across departments, fellow graduate students, family, and the amazing administrative staff. I move forward without regret, and I am grateful to those who pushed me to shoot for the stars – no matter where I land.”