In this series, Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences is shining the spotlight on distinguished members of the Class of 2021 from a wide array of disciplines.
Ana Eguiguren ’21
Faculty in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology have recognized Ana Eguiguren as an outstanding sociology major.
Eguiguren, an International Scholar and recipient of Presidential and Elon Engagement scholarships, chose to major in sociology after taking an introductory course from Professor Emeritus Thomas S. Henricks her first semester. “I owe this to his inspiration,” Eguiguren said. “This major encapsulates my passions, my curiosity, and my endless endeavor to understand the world around me.”
In 2021, she was recognized for her investment in the Latinx community with the Gala Latina’s Latinx/Hispanic Outstanding Senior Award.
Did you participate in undergraduate research?
I am currently completing “Perceptions and Conceptualization of Race and Racism in the Ecuadorian Context.” I selected this independent research topic during my senior seminar due to conversations I was having at Elon and back home in Ecuador about race and privilege. I had the honor of presenting the results of this research in SURF Day on April 27.
What is your proudest accomplishment here at Elon?
One of my proudest accomplishments has been participating in the Elon Innovation Challenge and creating an integration program of Elon students with the city of Graham. The Graham Jam encouraged students to shop local, increased visibility, and generated over $1,000 in revenue for the local businesses, all in less than two months.
Have you worked closely with a particular professor, and did that relationship enhance your Elon experience?
Associate Professor of Sociology Alexis Franzese taught my sociology senior seminar course and she proposed to continue my research as a mentored SOC 499 experience. She believed in the importance of my research, and more importantly, in me. More than a professor, Dr. Franzese has become a trusted mentor and a close friend, a relationship I never thought I would develop in my university experience.
What are your future plans?
I want to get involved in social entrepreneurship, where social struggles are tackled with innovative, sustainable projects
What advice would you give to future Elon students?
Elon is full of opportunities. Make sure to make the most out of them. Your classes will be small enough to really get to know your professors, make the effort to do so. They are wonderful individuals full of mesmerizing life lessons.