“We Are UC” highlights the people who thread the fabric of the Utica College community. These profiles are written from the perspective of the subjects themselves.

Story by Chantelle Boateng, photo provided by Hawa Sanogo

My name is Hawa Sanogo, and I am currently a senior here at Utica College. I am majoring in criminal justice with a concentration in legal issues. I am originally from Harlem, and I decided to come to UC because I wanted to attend a small school that allowed me to form personal connections with my professors and classmates. I also wanted to leave the city because I felt that it was important for me to be away from home in order to be more independent.

Being a member of the UC community encouraged me to join multiple organizations during my time here. I am currently a brother of Alpha Phi Omega; Eta Mu Chapter; a resident assistant for the Student Living and College Engagement office; and a member of the Utica College Programing Board, Asa Gray Biological Society and the National Society of  Leadership and Success to name a few.

When I graduate from Utica College, I would like to further my education by going  to graduate school in order to obtain my master’s in criminology. I would also like to possibly get a doctoral degree or attend law school. At the moment I am not sure what graduate school I would like to attend, but I am looking to find the best fit for me that has the same family atmosphere as UC.

Although I wouldn’t mind staying in New York State to obtain my master’s, if I received the opportunity to go out of state I would because I want to explore and experience a different location. I think this would allow me to be more independent in my decision making overall.