Visit SF State - Word on the Street - Herbert Leon Hatcher
Name...
Herbert Leon Hatcher
Title...
Undergraduate, Sociology
Hometown...
Berkeley, CA
Why SF State..?
Because of the Sociology Department. My career goal was to be a counselor, and I thought that coming from a solid sociological base would help me overcome barriers and cultural differences.
Favorite class...
Sociological Research. It's basically about gathering data, looking at ethnic backgrounds and social structures of communities, how they work and fit together, basically how the environment affects people and the part that people play in the community.
Favorite SF State faculty member...
Chris Bettinger. He's really patient and empathetic toward students. He teaches statistical research analysis and he's got a way of simplifying a complex subject like statistics and helping you grasp it. He gives each individual classmate undivided attention and makes himself available. He's the type of person where you don't even have to be in his class and you can still come to him for advice.
Favorite on-campus hangout...
The sociology lab in the HSS building. A lot of my peers and I work together there. I get a lot of information that I might have missed in class. I can interpret better hearing it from a peer's perspective and I can always go back to Chris for confirmation.
Favorite off-campus hangout...
Between going to school and being a full-time single parent, the time when I'm not dedicated with my studies, I spend with my son trying to get him involved with community activities like the Y. I'm also interning for a substance abuse program, East Oakland Recovery. We deal with low-income families or people who were referred to from the court such as first-time drug offenders.
What person, dead or living, would you most like to meet?...
Coming from a sociological perspective, I would say a person like George Jackson. From my personal perspective, Tyra Banks.
In five years you'll be...
I see myself with a master's degree in rehab counseling, facilitating or assistant directing, if not directing a program that deals with people with substance abuse issues. However, not just strictly with that. I want to cater to people with different barriers and disabilities, to cross those barriers and communicate with people with hearing impairment or seeing disabilities. And hopefully, by then, working on my doctorate.
What is the most important issue facing college students today..?
Financial aid. [Nearly everyone] has to deal with financial issues.
What do you like most about SF State?...
I like the diversity. At some universities, everybody walks the walk; you have to look a certain way. Here, it's so diverse, come as you want, be who you want.
What is the most common misconception that people have about SF State?...
Initially, I had the same perception that many people have about SF State, that it was a commuter college. I came, went to class and went home. During my junior semesters I mostly was an academic recluse. But by interacting with other students, SF State gave me a chance to open up and be more expressive. It then became a community-based atmosphere for me. People that I've never met before would show me how to find research or directions. There's a lot of help available; all you need to do is ask and speak up.
I also have a disability. Prior to my enrollment here, I was stricken with a disease, peripheral neuropathy -- it's a nerve disorder that affects the extremities. I was confined to a wheelchair for six years prior to retuning to the workforce. The Disability Programs and Resource Center ...accommodated me to my classes and getting across campus. There's just a great support network here -- counselors encouraged me to apply for scholarships because I would never apply for a scholarship. I'm just glad to be here, I feel like I'm getting the best of my education here.
Advice to new students...
First of all, pay attention at orientation. There's also no need to feel isolated or intimidated by a transition from junior college or high school to a university because SF State will make you feel welcomed.
