Christin Lucas

Christin Lucas had no plans of majoring in Sociology when she came to St. Ambrose.

Yet, perhaps, it was her calling.

Her understanding of human action and interaction – social relationships, culture, and the many ways we are shaped by forces we don't see and can't explain – was key to the steady presence and advocacy she provided to her peers and contributed to campus. On May 9, Christin graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology.

As a first-generation student intent on earning a degree, she came to St. Ambrose as a pre-nursing major, aided in part with a $15,000 academic scholarship. "I had to switch majors. The anatomy course was crazy hard and a professor I had passed away. It was a struggle, and when you find yourself struggling too much it is a sign that maybe you need to step back and reassess things," she said.

"Then, I took an Introduction to Sociology course. I liked the class, and I really liked knowing how people work and interact," she said.

Her sophomore year, Christin applied to become a Resident Assistant, lured by the opportunity to elevate her leadership skills and free housing. "I went through the training and really liked the people I was working with," which included her fellow RAs and the first-year students she guided in Franklin and Rohlman Hall, she said.

"I know everyone comes from a different background and how to communicate with them based on the things they've gone through," she said. So, she offered the first-year students an open door, open mind, and a supportive presence they could count on.

When racist graffiti targeted at one of her friends was discovered on campus last spring, Christin said it was difficult to comprehend. She chose to act, joining the newly relaunched Black Student Union and serving as an officer for the organization that led a campus-wide unity march.

This year, she served as the BSU's Assistant Advisor.

"The BSU gave me a sense of community interaction with people who look like me, have the same background as me. We attended a conference recently that helped us network with other BSUs and learn about different programs we can incorporate to help people understand our culture," she said.

The organization had scheduled a second unity march this spring, which was postponed due to the campus closing. "I hope they have the march this fall," she said. "You want to keep shining a light on the things that are going on, not push them under the rug."

Christin offered her voice and advocacy to campus in other ways, too. She performed with Bella Voce, was a work-study in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office, and when she began wondering why the university and Sodexo visibly celebrated cultural events, like Day of the Dead and Mardi Gras, but not Black History Month, she spoke up and asked. Then, she offered guidance on appropriate ways they could celebrate. "This year they came through. That shows growth," she said.

Looking back, Christin recognizes how much she has grown, too. "I received a high-quality education. I feel like this experience is one I would not have gotten any other place. I came from a [south Chicago] high school of people who looked exactly like me. I was never in a classroom with anyone of a different race, until I came here. It was a game-changer. I used it as a way to stand out, answer questions, and be involved in class. I created great relationships with my professors. I was able to reach out and get feedback anytime I needed it," she said.

Christin plans to pursue a master's in social work and do so while working full-time. She is hoping to land a position with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services as a field investigator, making sure children are safe and properly cared for within their homes. Or, to work in a hospital.

"I am looking forward to seeing where life takes me and I am grateful for St. Ambrose allowing me to be a member of the Ambrosian family. I definitely will talk about my many experiences for years to come, and hopefully, I will get to come back to campus during my career to share my story," she said.