Dear Professor Megan Skelly,

The role of a social scientist requires skill in study and research. Trying to understand the
the connection between society and human behavior would feel anticipating. The past contains many aspects of society that could have led to human behavior and relationships today. It would be a thrill to be involved in this type of work. As admirable as this role is, it can also be complex. Developing ideas, finding the main objective, gaining evidence, and many more unpredictable outcomes may occur. Considering how developed individuals and societies have become, it would be hard to understand relationships between individuals. Plenty of interpretations and research would have to be done to bring out a reasonable conclusion or understanding. The process of developing a conclusion sparks a desire to discover innovative ideas. Social science surrounds a wide range of subjects. The inclusiveness within the topic allows scientists to branch out on many ideas. Curiosity in the way groups or individuals make decisions, react to change, or use their power is all a part of social science. Being behind the scenes of social sciences brings excitement to the many perspectives we can encounter. The excitement does not come from finding new things but finding an understanding of what is currently happening. We would be able to see old methods in a new way we have never seen before. The thing that confuses me about social science is persuading at least the majority to agree with suggested cultivations to place in this world. How do you influence a large group of people to change what they are used to? People have different morals that they abide by. It would be hard to encourage change. Referring to separate groups of people, as individuals, we all have different personalities that express who we are. Maybe, based on the way we dress, act, or talk. My favorite article of clothing is my “Rick and Morty” shirt. “Rick and Morty” is a TV show filled with quirky adventures, giving characters “weird” personalities, mindless thoughts, and overall content containing plenty of dark humor. When people see me wearing this shirt, it can be considered inappropriate based on the actions the characters make. Others may think of me as odd or disgusting without knowing the background information of the show. The show does not define me but its quality of weirdness, dark humor, and doing things without thinking, I can relate to. Social science plays a factor in studying how individuals interact with each other. By me wearing a shirt, it cannot explain how I act generally. Getting to know me or understanding who I am is a better way to define my personality. Since I am majoring in psychology, I want to understand our personalities and why we act the way we do. Taking on the role of a social scientist is like the role of a therapist. Both roles share the task of studying and researching others for a better understanding. When dealing with the mentality of others, me being a West
Indie-American and raised by religious parents could hinder me in this work. Anything dealing with the mentality is considered taboo. Both of my parents growing up in Haiti did not grow up with teachings of protecting mental health or trying to create a better world, so they are not used to these kinds of things. To my parents, a response to a situation not going well personally or worldwide is to pray and not act. What they do not realize is that they can both pray and take action. I personally believe that as the future generation, no matter what, we are meant to act on what is wrong to help others.
Sincerely,
Ashley Laurent