End-of-Term Reflective Essay: My Learning Journey in Sociology.
Introduction
I entered this 200-level sociology course to learn theories and facts about society yet I had no
awareness of how this course would transform my perspective on British Columbia and its
inhabitants. During the academic year I studied vital subjects which included colonialism
alongside immigration along with natural resource development and inequality. This paper
presents my learning experience by describing how the course provoked intellectual change
while enhancing my development and providing me with essential tools to observe and
challenge the social environment.
Learning Experiences
Learning about colonialism along with its effects on Indigenous communities throughout
British Columbia became one of the most influential subjects we investigated. Before
beginning this course my knowledge of Canadian colonial events was limited to basic facts.
The existence of residential schools and land conflicts was familiar to me but I failed to
grasp their active presence in current society. Through this course I discovered the lasting
social inequalities which stem from colonial structures including the Indian Act alongside
forced displacement and insufficient land rights. The experience forced me to think about
reconciliation as a process that extends beyond recognition of past events into modifications
of current institutions and social mindsets.
The development of natural resources significantly transformed both the economy and
society of British Columbia. The course revealed to me that industries such as mining and
forestry create social problems by providing temporary jobs that result in permanent damage
to Indigenous communities. The class revealed surprising information regarding
environmental damage while explaining that resource decisions happen without input from
local residents.
Learning about immigration alongside labour market inequality became one of the most
significant educational aspects for me. As an immigrant myself this particular unit became
most meaningful to me. Students learned about immigration policy evolution alongside the
impact of race and gender and citizenship status on work and housing opportunities.
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Research revealed that racialized immigrant women particularly face the challenge of being
directed toward unstable low-wage positions despite possessing suitable qualifications.
Through these classes I gained knowledge which helped me better understand my personal
life as well as the lives of people from my community.
The research assignments proved essential for my academic growth throughout this course. I
needed to pick a social issue along with finding credible sources to create a paper which
presented my research findings. The experience presented a new difficulty for me which
enabled me to enhance my academic abilities. I gained the ability to identify research articles
locate data sources analyze statistics and construct arguments through logical organization. I
was thrilled to see how my research skills together with writing abilities advanced
throughout the academic term.
Challenges and Growth
This course like every other valuable educational experience presented obstacles to students.
I became emotionally exhausted during our studies of the Downtown East Side in Vancouver.
I had passed by this area numerous times before yet remained unaware of its historical roots
behind poverty along with addiction and homelessness. It was difficult to listen to but it also
made me understand how crucial it is to study the root causes instead of making judgments
based on surface appearances.
Learning sociological theories presented an additional difficulty. Historical sociology and
political economy together with citizenship theory remained confusing and difficult to
understand during the initial phase of the course. I had difficulty making connections
between theoretical concepts and actual events. My understanding of societal theories
developed better as I participated in class discussions while reviewing my course notes.
Today I can identify why particular social groups secure better privileges and access to
opportunities than others do.
Time management presented itself as a second opportunity for personal development.
Managing school responsibilities with work and personal commitments became complicated
when assignments needed completion. The classes in this course enabled me to develop my
planning skills by teaching me to divide work into steps while maintaining effective
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organization. The skills I learned have been useful across different academic courses and I
now feel better prepared to handle my schoolwork responsibilities.
Insights and Future Connections
The class helped me build C. Wright Mills’ “sociological imagination” which enables people
to recognize how their personal life relates to broader social systems. People currently
experience multiple challenges such as poverty and racism which stem from historical and
systemic forces rather than being individual problems.
The most important discovery I made involved understanding how present-day conditions
stem from historical events. People currently face direct impacts from colonialism together
with immigration policies and industrial development. The connection between
environmental decisions and social justice emerged alongside the understanding of labour
inequality and its relationship with race and gender.
The sociology course has motivated me to pursue continuous education about social
problems while I work toward community involvement. The knowledge gained has motivated
me to fight for fairness and equality especially when protecting marginalized groups. The
knowledge and critical thinking skills acquired in this program will direct my future career
path regardless of whether I choose criminology or public service or pursue another field.
In conclusion ,my experience in this sociology class remains among the most influential
academic moments during my college education. Through this course I learned how to
analyze situations deeply while developing my ability to view things from multiple
perspectives. Through my studies I have studied the social history of British Columbia
alongside the experiences of Indigenous peoples and immigrants and the systems that create
inequality.
Understanding remains the fundamental starting point for all transformations according to
this course. After gaining knowledge about social issues in our society I feel ready to start
taking action while continuing my learning journey and working toward positive change in
every direction I go. Through my sociology studies I acquired fresh perspectives which I
intend to use moving forward.
