When Gabriela Lozano stepped onto campus as an undeclared major, she was eager to explore an array of opportunities. This December, she’ll earn a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and will remain on campus to help future Redbirds.
A Chicago native, Lozano majored in sociology with a minor in Latin American and Latino/a studies. After graduation, she will begin her career as a bilingual admissions counselor in Illinois State’s Office of Admissions.
“I’m excited to be an older sister to the students,” said Lozano. “I think back to when I was looking into college, and I had to figure out my options on my own. I didn’t have anyone that really understood what it was like for me, and my parents didn’t know what the college journey was like. I’m excited to help students and their families with that anxiety and to see the successes of the students I help.”
As a bilingual admissions counselor, Lozano will help prospective students and families, including those who speak Spanish, navigate the admissions process.
Lozano’s journey to choosing an academic focus involved a lot of trial and error. She hopes to share her experiences with future Redbirds to show it’s OK to not have all the answers entering college.
“I had to be comfortable with failure and not knowing what I wanted to do,” said Lozano. “If I could do everything, I would. I took a lot of classes in different programs to determine where I wanted to land.”
For her first couple years at Illinois State, she did just that until she found the right fit in the sociology major and Latin American and Latino/a studies minor.
“I love that it doesn’t limit you to one focus,” said Lozano. “There are so many areas you can study. That was so liberating to know that my doors weren’t closed, there was always one propped open to take a peek at my options.”
Lozano’s time at Illinois State was not a traditional experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the second semester of her freshman year, in 2020, she moved back home with her family and continued learning online. While it was an abrupt change, Lozano said in a way it was “a blessing in disguise and also a curse.”
“It took me away from campus, so I don’t feel like I had my four years of being a college student,” Lozano said. “It also hindered me academically, but I got time back with my family. Being home with all of them and comforting each other gave me an opportunity to grow with my family and independently, as well.”
The transition from high school to college was not an easy one for Lozano who was having second thoughts about attending college. Having this time at home gave her the chance to think about her future.
“I left home thinking I was prepared to be on my own, and I quickly realized that I missed home and wanted to go back,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if college was something I needed to do or something I wanted to do. I felt needed at home being the oldest and learning how to mitigate that responsibility was really hard for me.”
Lozano said one professor in particular played a significant role in providing guidance: Dr. Maura Toro-Morn, a professor of sociology and the director of the Latin American and Latino/a Studies Program.
“She was one of my professors and she has such a passionate perspective on things,” Lozano said. “It’s because of her that I got into the Latino/Latina Studies Program. I credit her constant encouragement for a lot of the things I was able to do. She sees things in students that other people don’t see, and she made me realize how genuine some people can be.”
In addition to her academic pursuits, Lozano has held several jobs at once during her time at Illinois State. She served as a Preview guide and a transfer guide, helping new students acclimate to life at Illinois State. She worked in Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality at the Bone Student Center in various roles. And she worked in the Office of Admissions on the student support team, which has been integral to her impending transition from student to full-time employee.
When Lozano isn’t working, you can find her hanging out with friends in the Association of Latin American Students (ALAS) or enjoying her favorite Illinois State activity: football games.
Lozano’s piece of advice for future Redbirds is something a friend told her. “If Illinois State gives you an opportunity, run with it.”
“ISU is so giving,” said Lozano. “Even if it’s being a TA (teaching assistant) for a class or volunteering somewhere, take everything and run with it. You don’t know where these experiences will take you or who you’ll meet. You’ll be bombarded by people who believe in you.”
This story is one of a series of profiles on Redbirds who are graduating this December. Two commencement ceremonies to recognize more than 1,300 graduates will take place Saturday, December 16, at CEFCU Arena. For more information about how Illinois State is celebrating commencement, visit the Graduation Services website.
