Arzu Demirergi Major: Anthropology Year of graduation: 2004

Where do you live and work now?

Long Island, NY

What is your occupation now?

Graduate Student at State University of New York at Stony Brook, Department of Anthropology

What did you do immediately after graduating from UMass Boston?

I took a vacation in a warmer place! I took a year off, applied to graduate schools, and worked part-time.

What has been your most worthwhile professional experience so far?

I find gaining teaching experience as a part of grad school very valuable because one does not learn things fully until she is able toarticulate what she has learned.

What are the one or two events, courses or people that stand out in your mind from your time at UMass Boston? Please explain.

There are many fun courses and nice people that stand out in my mind from UMass. Among them, I’d like to mention my advisor Professor SteveSilliman, an excellent teacher and academic advisor, whose support and teaching have played a critical role in my undergraduate education.

Has studying anthropology impacted your perspective (personally, professionally, or other)? If so, how?

Absolutely! I have gained a holistic perspective and started examiningissues from multiple dimensions. Studying anthropology has made mequestion everything I used to take for granted and taught me how to deal with complex issues. It actually helped me grow up and accept a lot of things I couldn’t before. So it made me a mature person.

Is there a piece of advice you wish someone had offered you while still an undergraduate student at UMass?

Yes! Enjoy whatever free time you have! Appreciate going to school in a great city like Boston!