“I started at Carleton University as a history major. Social studies had been my favourite classes in high school. After taking an elective anthropology/sociology class in first year I immediately added an anthropology major to my degree program. I was hooked. What could possibly be more interesting than learning about the way cultures develop and evolve and shape our experiences as humans? The professors were so passionate about the field and their topics and were also some of the nicest, most caring people I had ever met. The range of topics that falls under the umbrella of anthropology is endless. You can look at literally anything through an anthropological lens so there were always interesting courses and readings to dig into. Beyond the skills and traits that going through any post-secondary education hones (critical thinking, perseverance, reliability, communication), there are some things I took away from my anthropology degree that I think everyone would benefit from. These things include: a desire to understand the perspectives of others, no matter how different; compassion for people from all walks of life; and the understanding that there are always larger systems at play, even in the most mundane interactions, desires, or events. In today's complicated and interconnected world I believe everyone could benefit from the knowledge, experience, and perspective gained by studying with Carleton University's Department of Sociology and Anthropology.”