Katheryn Antonio Rios '24
Summa Cum Laude
BA Political Science
Minor in English
Pronouns: She/her

Where are you originally from?
I was born in Armenia, Colombia but grew up in Westhampton Beach, Long Island.

How did you hear about Stony Brook University?
I grew up on the east end of Long Island, and I remember always driving by the Southampton campus and always saying, “I want to go there someday.”

On her major:
I chose Political Science because I see the study ofgovernment as one of the foundational parts of society that gives way to better understand people.Particularly, the study of government has allowed me to understand our fundamental rights, why wecreate institutions, and how we choose to cede power to and uphold them. On the other hand, I chose anEnglish minor because, although I was able to better understand the logistics of government through political science, the study of English literature has allowed me to dive deeper into the thoughts of thegoverned and how they choose to critique those systems that have become institutionalized. The study of both subjects has given me access to critical thinking skills between understanding the governmentalsystem and those that make it up.

Favorite class:
One of my favorite classes was English 317 Literature and Humanities of Petroculture with Professor Tondre. English 317 was the pathway to my interest in literature and how it is able to pinpoint societal changes. The course utilizes 19th-century and 21st-century literature to remark on the impact of industrialization and rampant use of petroleum.

Interests and accomplishments:
Some of my interests outside of school are practicing yoga, reading, hiking and traveling. Ray Bradbury isone of my favorite authors. I love his ability to use figurative/adjective based language to transfer me to aforeign place. I also enjoy writing creative short stories, in which I attempt to bring Bradbury’s influenceinto.

Some of my accomplishments during undergrad:

• becoming a certified yoga instructor
• interning for the Center for Civic Justice
• member of the Political Science Honor Society
• research assistant for the Political Science Department
• being a first generation student and the first tograduate in my family!

Most importantly, developing my values and solidifying my interest towardmaking the world a better place.

Greatest achievement:
My greatest accomplishment during my time at SBU has to be the extreme 360 of my writing skills. Although I cannot take all of the credit for it, Professor Susan Scheckel has been central to helping grow not only my writing, but my analytical skills. I have learned how to better articulate myself and to synthesize my thoughts effectively. This is my greatest achievement because I am more knowledgeable now more capable of communicating thechanges I would like to see.

 Awards and Accolades:
- Dean's list
- Magna Cum Laude
- Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society
 -Phi Beta Kappa Academic Excellence Honor Society

Post-graduation plans:
I’m interning for a Suffolk County judge over the summer while I continue preparing for the LSAT and law school applications. Once I have submitted my applications, I plan on solo traveling for five months through northern Africa, Europe, and Asia with the intention of volunteering for non-governmental organizations focused on human rights and localized needs.

Career aspirations:
To be a lawyer, dedicated to serving justice. Be that through Immigration/Human Rights orConstitutional law.

Clubs or organizations:
- Phi Alpha Delta ( Pre-law fraternity)
- Pre-law Club
- Center for Civic Justice

Advice for potential Seawolves?
Connect with others! You may not connect with everyone, but just a few great people are worth acommunity. Get involved with organizations, reach out to professors, apply to internships, give yourinterests undivided attention, but most importantly find purpose through your studies. If you don’tabsolutely LOVE what you’re doing it's never too late to make a change. Find something you’re passionate about and everything else will come easily. Lastly, stay present and enjoy your time here!