The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of CAS and to create, promote and execute opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students represent a variety of departments from across CAS and will represent the College at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors and alumni.
Throughout the year, we will be introducing new students representing the College in the 2024-25 academic year through a question and answer format. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Sophie Davis
Year: Junior
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Mars Hill, N.C.
What brought you to App State?
“I wanted to take advantage of the wide variety of classes and programs of study offered at App State, and being a part of Watauga Residential College has allowed me to also be a part of a smaller community, which is something I wanted out of my undergraduate education.”
Which clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Sociology Club
What scholarship(s) have you received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
Appalachian Excellence Scholarship (2023-24)
What research or coursework have you been most passionate about?
“I have loved my coursework in Watauga Residential College centering around literature and student perspectives, as well as my introductory Gender, Women's and Sexuality Studies (GWS) class and my current Ethnic American Literature class. I also had the privilege to travel to Ireland and Northern Ireland to study human rights and peace building, which was an incredibly valuable and unique experience.”
Which location(s) do you hope to visit for an internship, a study abroad trip, a research experience, or just for fun?
“I would love to study in France temporarily, as I have limited proficiency in French and I would like to improve my conversational skills in the language.”
Where is your favorite place on campus and why?
“My favorite place on campus is probably the library, as it offers so many study spaces and types of resources.”
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
“Talking with Professor Emily Lutenski about my interest in the readings for my GWS class and connecting with my professor while deepening my understanding of the material.”
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
“I appreciate how immersed in nature students can be while living in Boone, which extends to many people being passionate about environmental protection. There are also many opportunities for students to engage with important community organizations.”
What are your hobbies?
“I like to crochet, listen to and play music, and play video and tabletop games.”
What is your favorite book, podcast, artist, and/or television show?
“My favorite book is The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin, and my favorite television show is Fleabag.”
Tell us about one faculty or staff member that has made an impact on your life and how.
“Professor Michael Dale's Watauga freshman seminar was immensely impactful to how I approach engaging in my college education. Dr. Dale encouraged students to reflect deeply on assigned readings and how they resonated with our own experiences. Being part of a classroom setting that exercised my empathy, critical thinking, and introspection was very meaningful, and Dr. Dale always encouraged me to share my own perspectives in group discussions, which helped develop my confidence in my capabilities as a student.”
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
“The opportunity to take advantage of the wide variety of course offerings to cater to my interdisciplinary academic interests has been a major aspect of my time at Appalachian. I have been able to build meaningful relationships with my professors by exploring my interests with them. Appalachian offers access to many unique educational opportunities, and the professors and faculty want to help students achieve their fullest potential.”
What do you hope to do after graduation?
“I hope to work in a community-based position focused on social justice and equitable access to resources with a non-profit or educational organization in Western North Carolina.”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
“I am currently a Teach For America Ignite Fellow, which means I virtually tutor elementary students in underprivileged public schools four days per week.”
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About the Department of Sociology
The Department of Sociology offers a Bachelor of Arts and seven Bachelor of Science concentrations (applied research methods; criminology; families and intimate relationships; health and aging; power and social change; social inequalities; and individually designed, which requires departmental approval). The department also offers minors in sociology and health and aging, plus two online graduate certificates: aging, health and society, and sociology. Learn more at soc.appstate.edu.
Compiled by Lauren Gibbs
December 8, 2024
BOONE, N.C.
CAS Corps member Sophie Davis is a junior sociology major from Mars Hill. Photo submitted
CAS Corps member Sophie Davis is a junior sociology major from Mars Hill. Photo submitted