Liberal Arts student balances academics, advocacy and equestrian life

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When Jedily Alvarado started thinking about college, she knew she wanted something completely different from her small, private, all-girls school in Los Angeles. Alvarado said she was drawn to Penn State’s strong school spirit, strong academic reputation and expansive alumni network.

Now a third-year student double majoring in psychology and criminology with a minor in legal studies, Alvarado has fully embraced her time in the College of the Liberal Arts — both inside and outside the classroom.

“I have had a great experience here at Penn State,” Alvarado said. “I am so glad I made the decision to come here, even though it’s so far from home. It is the opposite of LA — but in the best way.”

One significant factor that drew Alvarado to Penn State was the English Equestrian Club, she said. A passionate horseback rider for more than eleven years, Alvarado joined the club as a first-year student and now competes in four to five shows each semester. The team has given her a sense of community and a consistent connection to something she loves.

The community expanded even further when she joined the Latino Caucus, a student organization that advocates for and supports Latino students across the University. She’s also an active member of U-BELONG, a psychology-focused club within the College of the Liberal Arts, and Empowering Women in Law, where she’s found mentorship and encouragement from peers with similar aspirations.

“It’s been super fun to be around girls who have the same interests as me,” Alvarado said. “Since attending law school is my plan after graduation, it’s helpful and motivating to connect with others on the same path.”

Alvarado’s interest in psychology and criminology has evolved during her time at Penn State. While she’s always known she wanted to pursue law, learning about human behavior and justice systems helped solidify her decision to double major. With a packed academic schedule and several extracurricular activities, time management is key — but she’s learned to stay on top of it all.

“I really like how my majors complement each other,” Alvarado said. “Psychology helps me understand people and their motivations, while criminology gives me insight into the legal system and how it operates. Both are giving me a strong foundation for law school.”

Currently, she’s preparing to take the LSAT this summer and plans to begin applying to law schools shortly after. While she is still deciding between East Coast and West Coast options, Alvarado said she ultimately sees herself returning to Los Angeles and hopes to practice environmental law.

“I want to make a difference, and the environment is something that needs strong advocates,” she said. “It’s a field where I feel like I can really contribute.”

Alvarado credits much of her drive and ambition to her upbringing. Raised in an all-women household, she said she learned early on that women are capable of doing it all.

“My mom and three older sisters have always been examples of strength and success,” she said. “That mindset helped me walk into college believing I could take on anything.”

She also finds inspiration in a bit of sibling rivalry — her older sisters set a high bar, she said, and Alvarado is determined to make her own mark.

Throughout her college journey, Alvarado has made the most of the resources offered by the College of the Liberal Arts. As a first-generation student, she regularly visits the Liberal Arts Student Services offices in Sparks Building, including the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network and Liberal Arts Chaiken Center for Student Success.

“A lot of the resources from the Chaiken Center have helped me greatly. I know they’ve helped my friends, too,” Alvarado said. “It has been awesome being able to stop by Sparks Building for anything I need from the Student Services offices — whether it’s reviewing my resume or getting extra help with classes.”

Alvarado has also benefited from academic scholarships, which she said have made it possible for her to fully focus on her studies and goals without added financial stress.

“Receiving academic scholarships has been a huge support during my time at Penn State,” Alvarado said. “It’s allowed me to focus on my goals and take advantage of all the opportunities here without constantly worrying about finances.”

As she prepares for her next chapter, Alvarado said she is confident, determined and ready to take the next step toward making an impact in the world.