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Giselle Bonet
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Class of 2013
Alumna Giselle Bonet (BA Sociology, ’13) recently reconnected with CUNY SPS to describe her experience as a student and tell us about life since graduation, her goals, and some of her favorite things outside the classroom.
Giselle is a proud graduate of the BA in Sociology degree program at CUNY SPS which was recently named the best online bachelor in sociology degree program in the country by bestschools.org.
Q: Why did you choose CUNY SPS?
I chose CUNY SPS because its online program would let me continue to manage my other home and work responsibilities. Additionally, I recognize and trust in the CUNY-wide network. The structure of the program helped to ease the transition from a traditional education setting to this alternate form of educational delivery.
Q: What most appealed to you about your CUNY SPS degree program?
The diversity and complexity of the sociology and general education course listings were appropriate to my educational and research interests.
Q: How did you find your online/classroom interactions with other students? With faculty?
The interactions I experienced with classmates and faculty were frequent and meaningful, even more so than in any other traditional classroom setting. The communication through email, discussion boards, blogs and wikis seemed to be more intimate and engaging. Not only was the faculty readily available to communicate and prompt to respond, but they were also eager to help. I learned that my classmates were just as committed to their goals as I was to mine, and faculty were genuinely invested in our effort to achieve our goals.
Q: What were some of the most defining aspects of your time at CUNY SPS?
One defining aspect of my student experience at CUNY SPS was the incomparable academic support extended by faculty for my course studies as well as for external academic projects. In addition, the midterm evaluation performed every semester informed me of how I well I was doing and whether I needed to improve. Last, but not least, the comprehensive assistance with issues of advisement, registration, and financial aid made it easier for me to focus on my course work rather than being bogged down by paperwork and phone calls.
Q: What is the most important thing you learned at CUNY SPS?
Setting goals is easy but knowing how to reach them isn’t always clear. I learned how to turn my passions into career-oriented practices. CUNY SPS gave me the tools to formalize the skills needed in the workforce and taught me how to apply those skills in the real world.
Q: How has your CUNY SPS degree influenced your career?
My degree has allowed me to participate in research projects funded by the CUNY Research Foundation that are focused on understanding and identifying the variables associated with student learning in higher education settings, which have a significant impact on educational outcomes. Since my goal is to become a professor of sociology at the university level, knowing what motivates students will allow me to become an effective teacher.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
The most rewarding aspect of my job is having the opportunity to be a part of a student’s educational experience. If I can be a part of what makes a student’s learning process successful, then I can find satisfaction in my career.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to be in a doctoral program that will afford me the opportunity to make a significant impact on the body of research that influences the innovations and renewal in public systems of higher education.