A path to justice
Her professors opened academic pathways for sociology major Alexsandra Tamayo to pursue a law degree.
Alexsandra Tamayo says two professors, Miho Iwata and Stephen Erik Hartmark, were influential in opening many academic pathways for her, but Tamayo has clearly forged a few paths on her own.
A first-generation college student who held a job as well as leadership positions in her sorority and an honor society, she independently — and successfully — maneuvered TU’s corridors and walkways to arrive at the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice. Tamayo says, “The professors teach their courses in a way that inspires students to do more or make a change, which motivates me.”
An aspiring law student, Tamayo says sociology fits perfectly with how she would practice law in the future. That future holds great promise not only for her but for those she ultimately serves, as she is committed to equality and fairness.
She addressed these topics in a research paper that earned her the Irwin Goldberg Award for Outstanding Achievement in Sociological Research. The award is given annually for a student paper that best reflects sociological research techniques. Tamayo’s paper stemmed from Eduardo Bonilla Silva’s provocative work on pervasive and subtle racial inequality, “Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and Persistence.”
Tamayo, who graduated from TU in May 2021, will begin her studies at the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law in fall 2022.
“ The professors teach their courses in a way that inspires students to do more or make a change, which motivates me. ”
Tamayo’s original decision to attend Towson University was predicated on some practical aspects. It wasn’t too far from her hometown, the campus was inclusive, diverse and right-sized. But what made it home was the realization that she and her sociology professors were all passionate about the same thing.
“I don’t believe other universities would be able to offer me the plethora of motivated professors like TU does.”