Amara Ugwu
French Minor Class of 2024
What was your major/minor? Why did you choose it?
I majored in sociology and minored in French. I chose to major in sociology because it allowed me to understand the world better. I decided to minor in French to continue the language skills I built in high school and to gain more cultural knowledge. Coincidentally, minoring in French introduced me to many French-speaking sociologists and their works.
What was your first job after graduation?
During my gap year, I worked with at a nonprofit AmeriCorps program called called City Year in Sacramento.
What are you up to now?
I'm continuing my sociology and French studies as a sociology PhD student at UC Santa Barbara.
How did your experience at UC Davis prepare you for the next step in your academic and professional journey?
Thanks to the smaller class sizes and enthusiastic professors, I was able to build professional connections and gain invaluable cultural experiences which I applied and continue to use in my academic journey. For example, one of my former French professors wrote a letter of recommendation for my grad school applications. Additionally, the same professor advocated for me to study abroad in Paris although I didn't match the program's requirements.
What's your advice for someone considering your major?
I recommend that you try to make connections with your teachers and classmates. Many LangLit departments are smaller than the other majors, so it is less daunting to attend office hours or strike up a conversation with another student.
What are you most proud of from your undergrad experience?
I'm very proud I had the opportunity to compete an honors thesis through the sociology department.
Do you have a professor or a class you want to shout out?
Warner and Guynn!