Louise Wilensky '20
BA Sociology

Originally from Medford, MA, Louise Wilensky learned about Stony Brook University when an Admissions representative visited her high school during her sophomore year. She was the only one to show up to her presentation, and took advantage of asking questions specific to her individual interests and needs. It was her first experience with one-to-one guidance from SBU, but not the last. Louise shares here what her time at SBU has meant to her. 

On Stony Brook:  
After talking to the Admissions representative, I came to the campus for a tour and fell in love. I got the “at home” feeling that some people talk about when visiting a campus, and decided to follow that feeling. Other deciding factors included the reasonable distance from home, affordability, and the fame of the research hospital (I had originally wanted to study to be a doctor). 

On her major: 
I am a Sociology major with a concentration in Women’s and Gender Studies. I originally started out as a Biochemistry major, but quickly realized that I did not enjoy it, and I was not good at it. After my GPA tanked my first semester freshman year, I switched to Sociology. This switch was mainly focused on my realization that I had spent most of my life wondering why societies are the way they are, why people in those societies do the things they do, and why certain norms are so ingrained into our daily lives. Why not look at these lifelong questions from an academic standpoint? 

On her favorite class: 
My favorite class was AFS 340 Human Rights and Africa, with Professor Abena Asare. Dr. Asare is a passionate and gifted teacher who truly cares about cultivating in her students an enduring dedication to the question of human rights all over the world. Aside from this, she also cares genuinely about her students, and does everything she can to make sure that the classroom is an open forum where we can feel free to express our ideas without judgement. 

Interests and accomplishments: 
I have spent the last three years volunteering as a peer educator in the Center for Prevention and Outreach, particularly in the areas of alcohol and other drugs and interpersonal violence. I also took the two-semester class to be an AIDS Peer Educator. 

Plans for post-graduation: 
I am joining a program called Urban Teachers, which focuses on putting well-trained teachers in high-needs areas. I will be moving to Dallas, Texas, where I will start shadowing teachers in the classroom during the day while I work towards an MS in Education from Johns Hopkins at night. 

Clubs and organizations: 
The group that I have definitely taken part in the most is Red Watch Band, which is one of the branches of the Center for Prevention and Outreach. My involvement on the CARE Team and as an intern has opened the door to what I can proudly call a second family, one that I am quite saddened to be leaving behind. The support, kindness, and wisdom of the pro staff and students alike have been invaluable throughout my time here. 

Advice for future Seawolves: 
There are infinite ways to get involved at Stony Brook! There is never a shortage of clubs, organizations, internships, or research opportunities - you will not have to look far to find something that fits your interests. I especially recommend trying new things that will coax you out of your comfort zone. Just dip your toe in the water and go from there! 

On her favorite SBU memory: 
I’ve always loved seeing the campus in the spring. The trees are so beautiful when they are in bloom, the geese walk around with their adorable babies in tow, and students lounge around on the grass at Staller Steps, playing frisbee and blasting music. I think I’m going to miss just the general aesthetic of springtime on campus.