I enrolled at Mary Washington undecided on my major, but confident that I wanted to pursue a career in public service and advocacy for marginalized communities. In Dr. Rouhani’s Introduction to Human Geography class, we explored the concept of space as a social construct and that immediately resonated with me. Initially, I was intimidated by the technical courses in physical geography and GIS. When I learned about the Urban Studies minor, I found that it would provide the social context I was looking for in addition to the technical skills from the Geography degree. As a first-generation college student and student of color, it was difficult to find spaces in which I felt connected and truly represented. In courses such as Cities and Geographies of Children, I felt that I had finally found a space where I could explore the topics that mattered to me the most.
Upon graduation, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Urban Studies and Planning. I felt that my time as a Geography major well prepared me for both the curriculum and internship opportunities while in graduate school. After completing my graduate degree, I was hired as a regional transportation planner working with state, regional, and federal partners in Washington, DC. My current duties include using research, analysis, and GIS skills that I first developed at UMW, and tackling social issues such as equity and climate change. I am grateful for the skills that I acquired as a Geography major, and I will continue to advocate for more opportunities for students from marginalized communities to explore the different paths that a Geography degree can lead to.