Lina Flores Wolf

Where have you found yourself and what career goals have you pursued since graduating from Loyola? Where do you see yourself heading in the next several years?
I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Social Psychology! In the next several years, I see myself continuing to conduct research, and eventually going back to pursue my PhD. Eventually, I would like to continue in academia, though I’m still figuring out exactly what I would like to do.

How did the Women’s and Gender Studies (WSGS) program impact your career success and life overall?
The WSGS program shifted the path that I decided to take. It inspired me to dig deeper into the ways that we can create social change, and to apply that to other work that I was doing, as well as the research that I conduct. Overall, it has changed the way I see the world and it will hopefully continue to impact the work that I do.

What was your favorite course/project you took part in whilst being a part of the WSGS program? 
I think my favorite course was WSGS 330 (History of Feminst Thought), because it was the first course I took as a declared WSGS major, and it was the first time in college that I really got to engage with materials, get excited about the topics, and to learn from my peers. I really appreciated that we were in an environment where we could allow ourselves to think freely and ask questions without fear of judgement, and to figure out the “answers” as a group! The class was in Piper Hall, which also made the vibes of class feel so different from any other courses that I have taken.

Do you have any fond memories of your experience within the program? If so, please elaborate.
I have many fond memories of my experience with the program, but I really appreciate that it felt like such a tight-knit community. We are all able to rely on one another, ask questions, have deep conversations, and learn from each other. One of my most fond memories was our capstone presentation, where we got to hear from each other about the amazing work that we had all been doing for the past year (or more). It was great to get to hear everyone talk about something they were passionate about, and to learn how the WSGS program had impacted all of us. At the end, we all got to hear from each other about our future plans, and it was exciting to hear about all of the different paths that all of my peers are taking.

Do you feel as though your WSGS degree has guided you towards a more fulfilling career path? 
Definitely! I think that my WSGS degree has changed the way that I engage in work, research, learning, among other things, which makes everything more fulfilling and holistic (though sometimes it also makes it more challenging). Ultimately, I think that the knowledge and experiences that I gained through the WSGS program will always positively impact the work that I continue to do, regardless of what career path I do end up pursuing,

In what ways has your WSGS education helped prepare you to be a more engaged global citizen and local neighbor?
My WSGS education has given me the tools to critically engage with global and local events. It has given me the confidence to engage in conversations with others about how we can address issues, but it has also made me more aware of knowing that I do not always have the answer, and that I should always seek the expertise of those with lived experience if/when they are seeking resources. I think that if it was not for my WSGS degree I would not really be as engaged in current events, and I am incredibly grateful for the tools that I have gained, that I will continue to use, and to update, as the world and situations change. 

What advice would you offer to current or prospective WSGS students?
I would like to encourage people to keep asking questions. In WSGS classes, it is easy to feel discouraged if you feel like you don’t understand a reading or a concept. But asking questions will always help the group engage in conversations that can deepen everyone's understanding of concepts, and allow others to share how they relate these ideas to their real lives and lived experiences. Even if you think that you understand an idea, there is always more to learn, whether it be from your peers, your professors, or your community.