Gloria Benson ’03

gloria benson2.jpgGloria Benson ’03 (Mount Pleasant High School) graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2007 with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Leadership Studies. In fall 2008, she enrolled in URI’s graduate program in Human Development and Family Studies, concentrating in College Student Personnel. She expects to complete her master’s degree in May 2010.

As part of her graduate program, Gloria serves as a Graduate Assistant with URI’s Substance Abuse Prevention Services in the Office of Student Life. She works closely with students in Judicial Alcohol Drug Education (JADE) sessions, examining and discussing their patterns of substance abuse. She also works as a High School Liaison for Pathways Through College, a dual enrollment program partnership between Mount Pleasant and Rhode Island College.

Gloria has a unique appreciation for The College Crusade, “I truly enjoyed my experience as a Crusader and can say that I received a great deal of guidance from my Crusade Advisor, Leo,” she says. “Having assisted students through the college admissions process myself, I know how intimidating the process can be for students. Having someone to show support and guide me through that time in my life is something for which I will forever be grateful.” She remembers touring the University of Rhode Island as a Crusader. “I wanted to go out of state and had no intention of staying in Rhode Island,” she recalls. “However, that visit allowed me to see that there was more to URI than I thought. I began to see that URI could be a good option for me.” Gloria enjoys working with students who are transitioning to college and hopes to engage in this work more often in the future.