Deangelo Franklin
What are you doing for self-care?
- My self-care includes taking a walk in the park, taking drives to neighboring towns to sightsee and dine, completing home improvements projects with my son, eating healthier, and staying connected with my close family and friends. I would also consider furthering my education as an example of my self-care; my matriculation through SIUE has allowed me to stay focused and to better manage my time during these challenging times of the pandemic, climate change, political turbulence and racial injustice.
How are you bringing sociology into your experience?
- When I think of how I incorporate sociology into my daily experience, I must consider my career, education and social life. I first think of my profession and the importance of me understanding the people I serve; I must be aware of how culture shapes their beliefs and influences how they interact with me. As a student, it is my responsibility to adhere to the expectations of the classroom by listening and not disrupting my professors when they are teaching or my classmates when they are presenting, as well as adhere to the expectations of group work. I also uphold the basic mannerisms I’ve been taught, such as saying “thank you” when someone helps me, assisting elderly persons, making direct eye contact when I am speaking, and dressing appropriately for different occasions. Most importantly, I comply to the new social distance rules (as a result of COVID-19) and wearing a mask when in public, greeting family and friends with an elbow bump instead of a handshake or hug, and maintaining a distance of at least six feet from people. Studying sociology has not only taught me more about others, but also more about my life and the social forces that shape it.
