Grisell Ovalles '20
BA History

Why Stony Brook?
I heard about Stony Brook University through the college application process and it was my dream school. Only, literally, because of its location that was far enough from home but close enough to visit family if I needed to. I was never school oriented, and "average" became my middle name. Somehow, I was admitted to Stony Brook through the AIM/EOP program and my outlook on academics changed forever. So much so, that I ended up choosing education to join onto my degree. 

On her program of study: 
I chose the History major at Stony Brook because I love to read and write. I was stuck between English and History but the History classes that were offered were so much more interesting to me. I was a member of the Latin American Student Organization and saw how involved the History department was with Latin American affairs that I knew it was the place for me. I loved the Department of History because it was small and inviting. The professors are so willing to lend a helping hand and to push your strengths inside and outside the classroom. I felt truly challenged as a History major. 

Clubs and Organizations: 
I have been a part of the Latin American Student organization and the NAACP. My most interesting position was as an Arts and Sciences senator for the Undergraduate Student Government. 

On her favorite class: 
My favorite class, and I have taken so many good ones, was a WW2 simulation with Professor Barnhart. This professor simulated World War 2 through a game that we played three times a week. Characters were assigned, resources were distributed, changes were announced, even the weather played a factor in the simulation. As Benito Mussolini, I felt a lot of stress as the leader of a country but definitely rose up to the challenge. My classmates and teammates made the experience one that I will remember forever. 

Awards and Accolades:
I received the Traum Award for Outstanding Research paper in U.S History awarded by the Stony Brook University History department and the Reacher of the Month awarded by Stony Brook Universities URECA program for the month of December 2020.

On her greatest achievement:
I wrote an honors thesis project under the guidance of Professor April Masten that was 32 pages on the educational journey of several Latina immigrant women. This is my greatest accomplishment because it was something I took on outside of taking all of my classes and being a part of clubs and organizations. I loved getting to hear these women's stories and I really wanted to highlight their resilience in my paper. This paper was so important to me because it resonates a lot with my career path and my cultural background. 

Plans for post-graduation: 
I will be teaching high school students in the NYC area. I am hoping to become certified in bilingual education and become an administrator in the future. 

Advice for future Seawolves:
My advice for potential Seawolves is to put yourself out there. There are so many people and opportunities that Stony Brook presents that you cannot find in your dorm room! Follow your own path because you will always find a support system no matter where you land at this university.