Stephany Barrios (BA, '25, Latina/Latino studies and political science)
About Stephany
During my free time I like to weightlift, read, and crochet! I also run a women’s weightlifting club on campus. I love being able to connect based on our same interests. Bringing a safe space for women when often times the gym can be intimidating. Empowering one another and applying everything we learn from each other in our day to day lives!
Why LLS?
Latinx Studies has given me the opportunity to understand complex systems more in depth. It has allowed me to comprehend my own identity through frameworks and approaches that are otherwise not provided in other areas of study. The professors, classes, and curriculum all come together to provide an education that has enriched my experience at UIUC.
Plans after graduation?
I plan on taking a gap year working in law and then pursue law school next fall!
Advice for undergraduate students
Do not be afraid to be confident. Confident in every sense and not just physically. How you present yourself, the way you talk, how you talk, and who you speak to. Be confident to take up space. To use every single resource that is your fingertips. Take it and use all of it. There is no reason why you should not have at least 1 opportunity, internship, or volunteer opportunity every year. As a first-generation student, I have never had anyone to navigate me through this difficult and intimidating journey. None knows what you have had to go through to be where you are at, so be proud, and most of all continue pushing and be secure in yourself!