Claire D. Estacuy

Major: Gender and Women’s Studies and Health Studies
Hometown: Central Falls, RI

Q. What makes the College of Arts and Sciences at URI unique?
In my opinion, the College of Arts and Sciences here at URI is unique because of how diverse their programs are. I think it allows students to not be afraid in learning and pursuing a career that we truly enjoy.

What accomplishments and/or activities at URI are you most proud of now?
This is actually going to be my last year here at URI and it’s been the most rewarding one for me yet. Since coming back to URI, I’m really proud that I’ve been able to earn a spot on Deans List every semester. After applying, I was also awarded with the Eleanor M. & Carlson M. Endowed Scholarship this year and it was truly life changing for me. Thanks to this scholarship and being part of the Talent Development program, my tuition has been fully covered, which is something I am very proud of. I will be the first in my family to receive not just one degree but two, so this is a huge accomplishment for me.

What do you value about your liberal arts education?
I value my liberal arts education because it has honestly taught me so much. Every class in my major has contributed to my growth as a person and I know it will help me in my career. I am also majoring in Health Studies and pairing this with GWS, helps strengthen the information I’m learning. I know that it will aid in my success in working with women and especially in contributing a positive change for people of color.

What have been some highlights of your time in the GWS department?
I can honestly say that highlights for me in the GWS department have been thanks to the professors I’ve had the privilege to learn from. In every GWS class I have done my best to understand the material and thanks to my professors I do believe I have successfully done so. I especially have enjoyed my classes with Dr. Kathleen McIntyre. She has been motivational, informative, and extremely helpful. She is also my GWS advisor and I genuinely feel that she excels in providing her students ands advisees with the tools they need to succeed.

What’s next for you?
My goal after graduating is to continue pursuing my dream career. I want to become a lactation consultant and a doula. After having my daughter I became passionate about maternal and infant health. I want to work in communities and with mothers that need it the most because I think this will help change the health disparities that some people unequally face.