Alexis Johnson graduated with a BA in Sociology in June 2020. She’s now working as a Key Stage 2 Teaching Assistant, supporting children through one-to-one interventions.
Why did you choose to study a Sociology degree at Kent?
My older sister previously attended Kent for the same degree and her experiences informed my decision, alongside the University’s high ranking in the league tables specifically for my course. I highly favoured the diverse range of modules available to me and thoroughly enjoyed my visit to campus; Dr Miri Song gave an interesting presentation which captured a variety of topics that appealed to me, in conjunction with her research about the complexity of mixed raced identities. The outline of the course was enticing as parts of that presentation have stuck with me till today and greatly impacted my decision to attend.
Can you describe your time at SSPSSR and what was good about it?
My time at SSPSSR was enriching, my course provided a clear understanding of how societies function through sociological theory and this was evident in social research. Kent provided more than adequate assistance whilst completing my dissertation by assigning me to an academic that worked closely to my research topic. I was constantly given honest feedback that helped improve my ability to express myself in academia and see the sociology in everything around me – for instance, the newly introduced impact of Covid on social policy.
Which aspects of your degree did you enjoy the most, and why?
I most enjoyed my learning in the second year of study, as there were minimal compulsory modules with free rein to choose from a large selection of optional and wild modules. I particularly enjoyed being able to choose other modules that included sociological theory, but looked at from alternative approaches, allowing me to further develop my knowledge. For example, Law and Social Change adopted a legal perspective when exploring “social change.” This challenged my perspective on how the founding fathers of Sociology viewed society, when considering a legal standpoint.
What impressed you most about our academic staff?
I was most impressed by the availability of academic staff for support in essay planning and reviewing feedback on previous work. In addition, the sociology staff have such rich subject knowledge and related these concepts/theories very well to reality and the social world.
Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now in your career?
Studying a Sociology degree gives you an array of skills, such as, critical and analytical thinking, greater self-awareness, an advanced writing ability and cultural competence. All of these transferable skills are crucial and valuable when working with children from a diversity of backgrounds. My Sociology degree made me very aware of the impact of social factors, such as race, class, gender and religion on an individual and how this can affect one’s life chances from primary education. The ways in which I invest in young students is heavily influenced by my understanding of feminist theory; I often encourage girls to not view subjects as gendered and encourage them to participate in STEM subjects. Similarly, with boys, I provide guidance when managing their emotions and encourage them to not see weakness in expressing their feelings.
Did you undertake any work experience whilst at Kent? What did you do? Did you find it was helpful in your studies and has it benefited your career to date?
In my second year at Kent, I volunteered as a receptionist for six months at the Canterbury Citizens Advice Bureau. In this capacity I did admin support – answering phones, filing, photocopying and processing appointments for service users. I often supported the public in completing relevant forms to access services and signposted some of them to such, for example housing, job centres and local food banks. I found this voluntary experience rather helpful, as the knowledge of the welfare system linked closely to my welfare modules. I developed my understanding on various benefits, as I spoke with service users that utilised these firsthand, this transferable knowledge was beneficial both at work and university. Volunteering at the Citizens Advice Bureau gave me access to a diverse service user group. This enhanced my communication skills and assisted me in developing harmonious relationships within schools, with a range of children from different backgrounds.
How did Kent help you into a career?
Kent hosts annual career fairs that provide an insight into a diverse range of potential careers, such as insurance, social work and finance. This fair offers many suitable graduate schemes, in order to ease students into a career path and subtly emerge into the workplace. In addition to this, Kent has a strong employability and skills team available to assist in CV design and content. During the pandemic, tutors from the employability team set up Zoom meetings to edit and amend your CVs and cover letters tailored to prospective careers related to your course.
Could you describe a typical day in your current role?
A typical day as a teaching assistant (TA) often starts with preparation of materials for the entire day, this can involve photocopying, trimming and collating resources and ensuring the children are settled for their first lesson. During lessons a TA’s main role is to assist students that need help or encouragement; this includes underachieving pupils, those with behavioural issues, pupils with special educational needs or even a combination of all. This all takes place whilst the teacher progresses with the lesson and during break/lunch time a TA will supervise the children by ensuring their safety outside of the classroom. All throughout the day, a TA feeds back any concerning issues with children to the teacher or wellbeing team or designated safeguarding leads. A TA supports teachers in effectively educating the children in a safe environment whilst maintaining happy and purposeful relationships with staff and students.
What are your future plans/aspirations?
I plan to start a Master’s degree known as The Frontline Programme. This postgraduate degree will result in a social work qualification, as I would like to become a children’s social worker. I aspire to build a career in this field because I can clearly see that institutional racism is a part of our reality. Hence, I want to change the system, becoming a part of the system is essential to dismantle these macro structures, in order to create equal opportunities for all. I believe the best way to do so is by moulding and influencing the lives of vulnerable children, as they are the future generations.
What is your favourite memory of Kent?
One of my most memorable moments at Kent was when I studied the Race and Racism module in my second year. This module focused on different aspects of race: historically, concepts of ‘colour-blind racism’ and ‘new racism,’ white privilege, eugenics, prejudice and contemplating whether racism was rational. This module was convened by Dr Miri Song and she challenged my pre-existing thoughts, as well as provoking new perspectives on many topics, whilst enriching my learning. I thoroughly enjoyed attending these seminars; it was a safe space to share my views on race with all racial backgrounds present and learn about the complexities of this social factor.
What advice would you give to somebody thinking of coming to Kent?
Do it. On a serious note, you will grow incredibly as a person and leave with more than just a degree. I would advise you to take full advantage of all academic and social opportunities. Whether this is going to the fantastic student night outs, joining different societies, being involved in Kent Union or utilising the services the university has to offer for mental health and well-being or career advice. The University of Kent has so much to offer, it is up to you to take advantage!
How would you describe your time at Kent in three words?
Thought-provoking, memorable and challenging.
Sociology at Kent is ranked 1st for research quality in The Complete University Guide 2021 and 1st for research quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021.
Study Sociology at Kent: Should we all have an equal say in how the society we live in operates? As a sociology student, you gain an understanding of how societies work, develop and transform. You examine the social institutions that govern us, discover what you think should change and search for a way to achieve it. Learn more about studying a BA Sociology degree at Kent
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