From social observations on campus to relevant debates about modern society, FGCU’s Sociology Club is where curious minds come together to explore the world through a sociological lens, one conversation at a time. 

Founded 11 years ago by Dr. Jan-Martijn Meij, the club is returning after years on hiatus. According to the club’s current president, senior sociology major Mathania Charles, the club has not met since 2018. With a new president, vice president (Kristen Sonsol), secretary (Shania Irani) and treasurer (Milo Cheffer), the Sociology Club had its first event back in February.

At the event, Sonsol, Irani and Cheffer delivered a presentation on the history of Valentine’s Day and some of the sociological implications of the modern holiday.

The group watched videos, engaged in open discussion on the topic with the present sociology professors and enjoyed refreshments provided by the officers. Some of the topics discussed include the environmental impacts of Valentine’s Day consumerism and its relation to the U.S.’s capitalist economy, the romanticization of love and misrepresentations of relationships due to it, and the historical origins and modern adjustments made to the semantics commonly used around Valentine’s Day.

The discussion facilitated by the student leaders was informative and civil and engaged all students in attendance regardless of their major. 

Sonsol and Irani discussed the officers’ excitement for the club’s revival. 

“We were talking about possibly doing trivia, working with organizations, getting people involved and show them what sociology has to offer,” Sonsol said. 

The club is looking to add more knowledge on opportunities for students.

“We are also thinking about doing information sessions like grad school or nonprofits or career opportunities for sociology students, as well,” Irani said. 

Though the club’s faculty advisor, Dr. Amy Miller, was unable to attend, other professors showed their support for the club’s renewal. Dr. Meij has taught sociology courses at FGCU for over a decade and believes learning about it is essential for all students, regardless of their major. 

“Whatever you’re interested in, there is a sociological connection to it,” Dr. Meiji said. “Any career in the public or private sector benefits from understanding sociology, and you can connect it to anything. Whether it’s pop culture, whether it’s comic books, healthcare, the environment.” 

The officers of the Sociology Club want to encourage all students to attend their upcoming events regardless of their major. 

“We want to create a space for students to come, just like a sense of community,” Irani said. “We don’t want to be too educational or harp on too many issues necessarily; it’s just to be like a fun space for students.” 

The officers enjoy the social aspect of the meetings.

 “I feel like it’s just a great thing that isn’t so school related, but you also get to explore a variety of majors and minors that aren’t specifically in sociology and get to connect with it,” Sonsol said.