I’m graduating from Arizona State this semester. It’s rather exciting.
After the commencement ceremony my mom asked me where my name was in the giant program. I panicked for a second reminding myself that I might not be listed in the program. Why? I am one of the two people earning a degree in the Science, Technology and Society program at ASU this semester. The other person and I are the first to complete the program and receive a degree in STS… ever. Exciting, I know. I am also a first generation university graduate, which is exciting in itself. Anything is possible. You just have to want it.
I am excited for the STS program at ASU for many reasons. Over the last two and a half years I have studied some really incredible topics, from the social effects of science and technology to information technology and globalization. I think it’s an appropriate subject area for today’s day and age. My specialty track was global technology and development and I minored in women and gender studies.
Because STS is such a new program I want you all to see the courses that I have taken over the last few semesters. It really has been an amazing experience.
As you can see, I had quite an interesting combination of courses while I was finishing my bachelor’s degree. It took me six years and two cases of changing my major (first nursing then digital arts) but I am happy to say that I found exactly what I was looking for.
Yay!
So, what’s next? That I’m not totally sure. I kind of stumbled onto the press release announcing the new STS program in the summer of 2008. I was very interested in the topic after spending some time working at Go Daddy. My employment there really opened my eyes to the positive effects technology-based companies can have on people. I saw a lot of really cool things happen and people turn their lives around just from working somewhere. It’s a demanding workplace but well worth it for those willing to keep up with the fast pace.
I would definitely like to continue on the path of STS somehow. I have been scouting out some graduate programs in related fields. I just love looking at how science and technology interact with people.
For now, I will stay where I am. The thought of having to explain to people what STS is and everything I have studied can be a little time consuming especially while living in a state that lacks any sort of technology-friendly infrastructure. As much as I would love to stay here in the valley of the sun, I just don’t see it as a possibility until there are more STS graduates to help saturate some sort of market for our knowledge.
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