Arelia Diaz, MAPSS

Arelia Diaz is a Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) student focusing on sociology from Hayward, California. Diaz found out about MAPSS through UChicago’s Sociology Department website. “I became curious, and what really solidified my urgency to apply was the interdisciplinary aspect. As someone who studied both sociology and psychology, I was grappling with the myriad of research ideas I had that intertwined both subjects. Applying and attending the MAPSS program has allowed me to "have more time" to discover where my research passion lies,” explains Diaz. She further adds that her “favorite thing about the program is the fact that we are allowed to take ANY classes we want, with any division at the university.” 

As a new student to MAPSS, Diaz is still crafting her final thesis question, but she notes that she has an “interest in researching how political and economic structures impact the everyday lives of low-income families.” She adds that taking some time to work between her undergraduate degree and embarking on MAPSS helped shape her curiosity. 

After MAPSS, Diaz hopes to teach, “While I am leaning towards college-level for teaching, I do not care where I go to teach, whether it be an Ivy League or community college, because my ideology with teaching is that it should be accessible for everyone.” 

Finally, Diaz gives this advice to future applicants, “Do not just apply for the name, apply because you know the university is going to help you grow holistically.”