When asked what advice he’d give to prospective sociology students, Luke Sanchez, a junior in sociology from Detroit, says, “Be ready to have your understanding of things flipped on its head…Because you learn so many new things, it can be a challenge to your own worldviews. Knowing that ahead of time is useful because it is a journey. You’ll definitely learn as you go and you’ll be able to figure out what you are passionate about.”
And Luke’s BYU experience perfectly illustrates his point. Sanchez began his BYU journey with the aim of becoming a businessman. However, he diverged from his original course and soon found his passion in sociology. After immersing himself in the program, he has gained invaluable skills that he would not have learned otherwise.
One of the skills is a greater understanding of research. “Every day, we read or hear news headlines and have so much data thrown at us. The two research classes I have taken helped me understand what I can trust, what I can’t trust, what needs to be looked into more, and how I can learn the truth.”
Along with this understanding, Sanchez has developed an appreciation for people from all walks of life. “I have learned about people that live differently, think differently, and have different experiences than I do. Recognizing when I don’t know certain things and how to approach those situations so that I can learn has helped me create new relationships, better existing relationships, and understand more about myself.”
While completing his degree, Sanchez enjoys working as a member of the Diversity, Collaboration, and Inclusion committee for the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences and serving as an officer for the Anti-Racism Club. ”One project I’ve been working on will help students more easily find the resources they need on campus and in the community whenever they need help for a huge variety of issues,” says Sanchez.
Upon graduation, Sanchez plans to acquire a real estate investment company or start his own. He says, “I think my long-term goal is to be able to focus on the real estate industry. So many inequalities stem from real estate here in the United States, and I want to be able to make an impact.”
Luke strives to contribute to building a beloved community at BYU. He says, “To me, a beloved community is a community of learning. We can live with people who are different and love them because we know them. We can have personal connections with people who are different and not let those differences push us apart. Here on campus specifically, I think that means we want to be proximate with everybody; we are proximate with people who are similar and people who are different.”
Learn more about sociology and get involved with Belonging in the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences today.
