First-Gen LAS Student Bridges Psychology, Criminology, and Community
LAS student, Gloritzel G., finds her path in psychology and criminology while advocating for stronger support in Latinx communities.
Name: Gloritzel G.
Double Major: Psychology & Criminology, Law, and Justice
Year in School: Senior
Interview with Glori
What sparked your interest in studying Psychology and Criminology, Law, and Justice?
When I first started UIC, I was just a Psychology major, and it was because growing up, mental health was not taken seriously in my family. I didn’t understand why, but I knew it should not have been overlooked. Many Latinx people do not feel comfortable speaking out about their mental health struggles, and instead, it is seen as abnormal, which should not be the case. So when it was time to declare my major at UIC, I knew I wanted to go into Psychology because I did not want to be part of the cycle that ignores mental health issues, and instead I wanted to focus on the necessity for better access to mental health resources in minority communities.
What sparked my interest in Criminology, Law, and Justice was a class I took in my second year at UIC. I needed to take an elective class, and I thought the course description of CLJ 101 was very interesting. The class gave us a glimpse into different topics in Criminology, and I noticed myself becoming more engaged with the course material, so I decided to look into the major and declared it spring of 2023.
How has being involved on campus shaped your experience as a student in LAS?
Being involved on campus through different student organizations and committees has allowed me to make more connections both professionally and socially. As well, it has taught me how to work in different group settings. My roles as Co-Vice President of the Latinx Psychology Alliance are very different from my role as Community chair in the Latine Student Coalition, but each organization has given me the opportunity to expand my knowledge of group dynamics and team building. Being involved has also allowed me to remove negative thoughts of imposter syndrome. I feel more interconnected with the student body, and it brings me a sense of community at UIC.
Was there a class that completely surprised you—either in how much you learned or how it changed your perspective?
My time in CLJ 101, questioned what I wanted to do with my time at UIC. I had taken CLJ 101 to fill an elective class I needed, and I thought it was going to be an interesting class before it started. However, I did not expect to immerse myself into the content so much. I could not wait to get to class and hear the lectures, and it not only allowed me to understand more topics within criminology. It changed my perspective on myself, because I did not think I would enjoy learning about crime and society.
What support systems—whether academic, social, or personal—have helped you navigate college life?
One of my biggest support systems is my family, who always remind me to keep going and that my education is one of the most important things. Their reminders allow me to navigate college with a positive outlook and motivate me to keep learning more. Being a first-generation student is hard and can be confusing to navigate, but my family supports me with words, food, and love. My friends have also been a great support system; they help me navigate college by motivating me to study, but also to take a break and look after my mental health. Getting snacks or drinks is a big help when studying or working on projects. As I am getting ready to graduate, the LAS Career and Development Office is also a very big support system. I can get my resume overlooked for jobs I want to apply for, and their classes have allowed me to get a better understanding of the professional world after graduation.
If you could give one piece of advice to incoming LAS students, what would it be?
One piece of advice I would give to incoming LAS students is to get involved on campus, through clubs, volunteering, and going to events UIC holds. I always like to tell students that college goes by fast, so make the most of it! There are so many cool and interesting clubs and events at UIC, and if it feels overwhelming to go alone, take a friend! I would also say look more into what the school offers, the cultural centers are often overlooked and have so much beautiful history and cool events.
What are your goals or dreams after graduation?
One of my goals after graduation is to hopefully build more community within the city of Chicago. I would like to continue advocating for mental health in Latinx communities, but overall, help people find resources that can help them. I would also like to connect and work with more grassroots organizations. I would like to continue looking into the legal system and the way it has impacted people of color in the city of Chicago.
What does “community” mean to you in the context of your college journey?
Imposter syndrome is often overlooked when it comes to school. It’s easy to get lost in your head about whether you belong here. I did not escape that feeling until I started to become more involved on campus. Building community in the context of my college journey, to me, means being around people to support and connect with them through classes, clubs, and professional development. Here at UIC, I have been able to findmy community in classes, clubs, and in the spaces I work. I feel I do belong because I am not giving up when classes, work, or events become difficult. Instead, I work through those struggles, and in turn, I build my community at UIC.