Meet Ravneet Malhi, a sociology major who is one of many students from the department of sociology who graduated with a BA this week from the University of Alberta. The first of her family with a university degree, Ravneet has a special connection with the U of A. Her mother worked as a janitor at the U of A when she first emigrated from India, and Ravneet recalls how hard her parents worked to give her and her brothers a chance at a better life. Determined to make the most of her university experience and make her parents proud, Ravneet found passion and purpose in sociology. Over the course of her degree, she has combined academic interests with a wide range of volunteer experiences, including volunteering at a sexual assault centre, a program for youth involved in the criminal justice system, and a practicum providing outreach services to street workers.
Currently, Ravneet is working in a recreation and leisure program with adults that are developmentally delayed, but is in the process of joining the Edmonton Police Service. Becoming a police officer has been a lifelong ambition, and having passed the physical exam, she is now moving through the interview phase of the process. She believes that a sociology degree has fully prepared for her a career in the police service. As she says, "My classroom knowledge along with different volunteer, work and school placements have taught me to be compassionate and genuine towards others and helped me forge a bond with those I came in contact with."
Congratulations and best wishes to Ravneet and all of our graduates!