Nathaniel Smith

How did you choose your degree program?

Prior to choosing my degree program, I considered studying history or political science; however, I questioned their applicability outside the university. Sociology offered me practical, scientific methods for analyzing our dynamic world that incorporate the two aforementioned fields.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

Given my upbringing, it’s unsurprising a sociology program composed of faculty with research interests in inequality and globalization opened my eyes to the great diversity of the human experience. I was born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia--one of the most affluent counties in the US--and prior to enrolling at George Mason University, was cloistered by a private, Catholic education. In brief, my academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impacted me in the same way the four sights affected Gautama.

What accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud of?

During the 2021 summer semester I enrolled in a course consisting of both graduate and undergraduate students. At its start, I was terrified of not keeping pace with my peers. However, I managed to keep abreast my assigned readings, meaningfully contribute to my in-class discussions, and write a final paper that I believe to be my best written work.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career? Please give an example of this impact if possible.

Dr. Ben Manski provided me with an internship opportunity starting in the Summer of 2021. He trusted me with a lot of responsibilities and allowed me to pursue work I determined to be meaningful to the Democratizing NOVA program. In combination, these gave me gave me confidence, bolstered my initiative, and the opportunity to explore my professional talents. However, surpassing all this, I gained a friend in Ben.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

Following graduation, I hope to begin working part-time at the university's admissions office and to continue my internship at the Democratizing NOVA program. The following semester, I hope to enroll in a graduate sociology program. In the long-term, I hope to remain in academia as a university administrator.