What makes the College of Arts and Sciences at URI unique?
The College of Arts and Sciences at URI is unique because it allows for a variety of opportunities for students with their education and interactions with others. This college has allowed me to familiarize myself with other disciplines besides the ones I have studied. While I have focused on my own interests, I have been able to take classes with others who are passionate about subjects such as Psychology, Statistics, and Political Science. These courses have allowed me to expand my understanding of the world and meet amazing students and faculty that have changed my individual path at URI. 

What accomplishments and/or activities are you most proud of while at URI?
I have been able to hold several leadership positions while at URI such as Vice President of Academic Affairs for my sorority, Delta Phi Epsilon, Vice President for Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice Honors Society), and Scholarship Chair of Order of Omega. I have been involved in the Student Conduct Board and a Student Ambassador for the College of Arts and Sciences. I worked at the IT Service Desk as a Security Liaison, a TA for Computer Science 110, and a barista at the 193 Coffehouse. I also participated in two service trips sponsored by Alternative Spring Break to California and Colorado where I was able to serve populations I would never have met without these trips. These opportunities have allowed me to engage with different members of URI at various points of their enrollment or education. I have helped motivate students to join the URI community after talking about my majors, held others accountable for their actions, and assisted my peers with gaining academic and social success. I believe I am most proud of being able to do so much in the few years I have been enrolled in college. I can look back at the time I have spent at URI and be satisfied with the fact that I have tried everything possible in my interests and even some that pushed me outside of my comfort zones. I am a strong advocate for both educational and social experiences in college as these roles I have held have made me a better student, worker, and peer. I have learned how to teach others, troubleshoot software problems, create study plans, and even make an espresso. 

What research projects, internships, and/or study abroad programs did you participate in at URI? How did they enhance your education?
I am currently participating in an internship at the Computer Crimes Unit of the Rhode Island State Police. I work on projects involving cybersecurity awareness training for active officers such as comparing and analyzing different region’s results. I am also working on an Honors Project that I will be presenting along with another student at the annual Academy of Criminal Justice Studies conference in San Antonio, Texas. Through our project, we have created a choose-your-own-adventure style videogame that teaches adolescents about unhealthy relationships and how to find help. We have incorporated research about effective methods for teaching young adults new concepts and different types of relationship abuse that youths may encounter. My internship and research project pushed me to apply my course lessons with hands-on experience as I was able to explore my passions in different environments than the classroom. 

What do you value about your liberal arts education?
I value the diversity of my liberal arts education as I was able to enter classrooms that taught subjects I found unfamiliar or at first, uninteresting. I can confidently say that every class I took has added a new skill or perspective to my education that has prepared me for my future steps. Overall, I was able to study subjects that I was truly passionate about with faculty and students that enriched my experience with their own personal stories and perspectives. 

Anything else you’d like to share about yourself?
I am forever grateful for the opportunities I have been able to hold as a student who identifies as a member of the LGBTQ+ population. I have never felt restricted from any opportunity on campus or judged for any of my actions because of my sexual orientation. The ability to hold leadership roles and engage with the URI community so openly is an experience I am not sure I would be able to hold at another University. I want to thank all the faculty, staff, and students who have created a welcoming environment for me to become the person I am today.