How did you choose to attend Hofstra?

I chose to attend Hofstra in spring 2020. Because of the COVID shutdown, I couldn’t tour the campus in person. What appealed to me was that the University was far enough away from home that I could feel independent, but still be within a few hours of travel from my home and family.

What activities or organizations have you been involved with at Hofstra?

I've been involved in so many! I served for a year as a fellow for the Center of Civic Engagement, which helped me to learn more about life on Long Island and work toward building relationships between Hofstra and members of the community.

Another organization that is important to me is the new Anthropology Club, for which I have been president for a year. The club is still in its infancy, and e-board members and anthropology faculty have worked hard to get it off the ground.

In addition to my majors, I’m a fine arts minor and serve as an aide in the ceramics studio in Calkins Hall. I love viewing students’ work and watching their talents develop and grow. This job, in particular, has meant so much to me. I will really miss the studio, my friends, and my professors when I graduate.

How did you choose your anthropology major? What have you most enjoyed about your classes and professors?

I declared anthropology after my father suggested it to me. I thought I could change it later if I needed to, but ultimately fell in love with what I was learning.

There are so many areas within anthropology to study, but what I have enjoyed learning most is cultural and biological anthropology. I hope to eventually study the practice of folk medicine in different cultures.

I like that anthropology is a small department at Hofstra. Professors and students all know each other on a personal level and feel comfortable having discussions in and outside the classroom.

Have you done any research projects while you've been here?

I am working on a thesis for the Latin American Caribbean Studies program with Dr. [Sharryn] Kasmir. I am studying the topic of immigration to Central Falls, Rhode Island, and how the Colombian community is a major economic and social force there.

This topic is meaningful because members of my family were among the first Colombians to settle in Central Falls. My mother moved there from Colombia when she was young, and my paternal grandfather and his brother immigrated in 1969. My research has enriched my studies and helped me better understand and appreciate my family’s history.

I also worked with Professor [Jase] Bernhardt as an intern for his research, which is focused on creating Spanish language signage and materials for riptide warnings and safety education at beaches and other public spaces.

You have volunteered to go into the Peace Corps after graduating. What do you know about the work you will be doing?

The Peace Corps was something I dreamed of doing when I was much younger, and it fits in with my studies and interests. I will be going for a three-month training and a two-year service period.

What are your professional and personal goals after graduation?

After serving in the Peace Corps, I’m planning to go to grad school and continue my research.

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