Laura Wilson

Laura’s resume is filled with honors awards for academic achievements, but she’s modest about them, claiming that navigating academic structure has become somewhat second nature to her. With plans to become a sociologist, actuallybeingsocial has been her stumbling block. “What has not come naturally, and remains challenging, is pushing myself to join social organizations, engaging in collective endeavors, and taking on the role of leader. Yet, as I want to proactively contribute to a better world, the importance of cooperative networks has become increasingly clear.”

Her resume reflects this as well, listing organizations, volunteerism and outreach that she’s participated in over the years. However, “The diversity of my interests – a fascination with travel, history, psychology, biology, astronomy and much more – made me an adaptable conversationalist but directionless. I excelled in school, but was unsure about how to translate my skills into practical life choices. Fortunately, I enrolled in a social psychology course, which introduced me to the concept of social systems.”

She realized that, “When analyzing a complex system with interdependent moving parts, interdisciplinary knowledge is an asset. I don’t lack focus. I’m able to see all the relevant pieces of the big picture. Shifting focus from individuals to groups and systems allows me to more clearly identify systemic problems that affect us all and imagine solutions with the potential for wide-scale impact.”

Laura has the wide-angle perspective of an older student who understands challenge and resiliency. At the age of 14, she was struck by a debilitating viral infection with no clear diagnosis or treatment. She completed high school through home-and-hospital schooling, and was able to enroll in college in 2013. Now married, she and her husband relocated to San Diego for her education, and have found life here to be a shock, cost-wise. “Still, if my illness taught me anything it is that I can and will find a way to make it through hard times. There are better days ahead.”

Idealistic yet pragmatic, she says, “I plan to earn a PhD in sociology and will likely start out in academia. Hopefully, I will transition into a position that allows me to take part in government policy formation. I would also be happy to be of service in the private or non-profit sector. While I would love to work for the National Science Foundation or the United Nations there is no need to limit myself to government agencies. Cooperation is key to making the world a better place.”