Hi! I’m Gabriella (Gabby) Kryoneris, a junior at Quinnipiac majoring in Psychology and Sociology. I started out as a freshman majoring in Psychology, hoping to pursue a career in the mental health field, though I wasn’t quite sure of the specific direction I wanted to take. After taking Honors Intro to Sociology with Professor Solomon, I was introduced to a whole new way of thinking about and viewing society. The individualized focus of Psychology– understanding a person and their mind– combined with Sociology’s broader view of social systems, has helped me better understand how people’s mental health is impacted by their sociodemographic factors and life circumstances. Through double majoring, I’ve been able to narrow my career goals and now plan to attend an MSW program and eventually become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to provide mental health counseling and treatment.
The many opportunities at Quinnipiac and the support of the faculty have allowed me to get involved on campus in ways that have created a strong sense of belonging. Through RecWell, I was trained to teach yoga and Pilates classes at the campus gyms and participated in a variety of wellness events. In the Psychology program, I’m part of the Applied Clinical Sciences concentration, which connects me with a group of like-minded students where we share experiences and prepare for our upcoming internships. Through this program, I secured an internship at Whitney High School North, which I will complete alongside my classes next fall. I also picked up a minor in Fine Arts, which helps break up my schedule and gives me a chance to channel some of my energy into a creative hobby that relaxes and recharges me.
My experiences both in and out of the classroom have shaped my goals and guided me along my own unique path. Thanks to the knowledge I’ve gained through Sociology and the incredible support from professors like Professor Solomon, I feel confident in my career aspirations and in my ability to achieve them. I’ve also come to see how Sociology can be a valuable addition to any major, since most careers involve working with people in some capacity. Understanding the social forces that shape individuals’ lives can help you better connect with and serve your clients in any field of work.
