By: Camila Hernandez
With graduation swiftly approaching, the Honors Program’s social media initiated a campaign highlighting seniors in the program, describing their achievements throughout their academic journey and brilliant personalities. This diverse group of students shared information about their academic passions, hobbies, and participation throughout their time as students. Our seniors’ excellence highlights the Honors Program’s success in nurturing a great education and the power of scholarly dedication. These students serve as an example and inspiration for current and future Honors Program students to pursue their own dreams. They instill a sense of hope and optimism for our future! Let’s hear from students who chose to share more about their next steps!
Olivia DeRubeis joined the Honors Program during her first year at Roosevelt as a junior. She is studying psychology with a minor in criminal justice. She is part of RU Green and CHESSAC. When not being an active member of our school community, you can find Olivia crocheting, embroidering, or reading. Olivia’s thesis centers on the use of art therapy as a core therapeutic process in American prisons. She is analyzing studies on art therapy in prisons as well as the results of this practice in comparison to non-incarcerated populations. She used her area of study as a passion to study proper mental health care for incarcerated individuals. Olivia plans on staying in Chicago to work in social services or non-profits. We can’t wait to see where you go!
Lydia Groezinger, who joined the Honors Program in 2020, is double-majoring in English and Creative Writing. Her passion for literature spans past her academic identity, but also her hobbies. She loves to read, especially since working at a bookstore. As a reading superstar, she can finish one book weekly and is always ready for new releases. Lydia’s thesis focuses on three mother-daughter memoirs to evaluate how the memoir genre is valuable for deconstructing gendered relationships. She has always had an interest in memoirs, and throughout her creative writing education has been writing about the mother-daughter relationship, and these texts resonated with her tremendously. Although her future career plans remain a mystery, she plans to get married and move to North Carolina. Congratulations, Lydia!
Alexander Kelly joined our Honors Program as a junior, and is majoring in political science and criminal justice. Music has always been a part of Alexander’s life, as he loves to listen to different genres and play the double bass and bass guitar. Another hobby he enjoys is immersing himself in historical documentaries, and learning about different periods and events. Alexander likes to stay fit and goes to the gym regularly; he recently took up tennis! He hopes to dedicate more time to videography and photography this summer. His thesis topic analyzes the decline of hegemony in the US because of a long history of failed foreign policy in relation to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Alexander is interested in understanding global security with the threat of nuclear war, which will inform his understanding of the diplomatic pathway of politics to ensure our generation secures peace. In the future, Alexander plans to stay in Chicago and pursue a career in politics, as he believes that becoming a politician is the most effective way to enact change and make a positive difference in his community. Alexander is dedicated to continuing to run his non-profit business, which focuses on empowering Chicago’s youth through civic engagement. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!
Alexandra Samargia joined the Honors Program in 2020. She is majoring in Journalism and Media Studies as well as Women and Gender Studies. Alexander is heavily involved in extracurriculars as a member of CHESSAS and The Torch. The theme for her thesis studies the fight for equality for female journalist stories. She hopes to get a job as a reporter in the Chicago Area. Congratulations, Alexandra!
Salma Mardi, who joined the Honors Program as a freshman, is majoring in Psychology and English. She is an active member of Roosevelt as the Vice President of the Students of Letters club, a Joan Deutsch Herczeg Scholar, and an orientation leader. For her thesis, Salma will explore the challenges and opportunities presented by multilingualism in speech-language pathology, aimed at improving the training and practices of pathologists to serve diverse linguistic populations. As someone who understands the nuances of navigating multiple languages, she is passionate about improving the support and services available for bilingual individuals. Salma plans to take a few gap years in preparation for graduate school where she hopes to study speech pathology. We are proud of you!
Ashley Cabral Gomez is majoring in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience and a minor in biology. She joined the Honors Program when she transferred to Roosevelt in 2022. Currently, in addition to being a full-time student, she works as a pharmacy technician for Northshore University Healthcare System. When her busy schedule allows, she loves to sit down with a good book to read. Spending time with her family is a must, as being an older sister allows her to be a role model for her siblings, which motivates her to do her absolute best. Her thesis centers on bringing awareness to the risk factors of mental illness among Latino immigrants. Ashley ties in her personal connection to this topic as a daughter of immigrants and hopes to be a healthcare provider for her community. She will begin the Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice Program at Elmhurst University. Her goal for future plans is to finish nursing school and work as an ICU or ER nurse for a year, and then continue her education in a DNP program. We can’t wait to see what you do!
Although saying goodbye is never easy, we are ecstatic to see our seniors pursue their dreams and aspirations. This cohort used their personal and distinct passions to fuel their areas of study, expand their critical thinking skills, and foster a sense of curiosity. We are sincerely grateful to these students for participating in the Honors Program and providing a wonderful experience showcasing the value of an Honors Program education. This Friday, April 12th, join us in supporting our Honors students in the Sullivan Room from 9 am-2 pm for the Seniors’ Thesis Defense. More information can be found below.
