Student Spotlight: Brianna Morales

Brianna Morales – a fourth-year sociology major minoring in psychology – received the FSU Student Seminole Award for her active involvement in the Florida State community. 

The award is given to eight to ten students who made major contributions to the university in the areas of leadership and service. Her achievements include serving as social advocacy chair of the Hispanic Latinx Student Union (HLSU) as well as founding FSU’s Argentinian Student Association (ARSA).  

Brianna Morales

During her time as ARSA president, Morales hosted events such as a soccer watch party and a dance night with tango and cumbia. She also created the event Copa ARSA, a field day in collaboration with other HLSU affiliates, which over 300 people from cultures across South America attended. This year, the second annual Copa ARSA took place on November 17. 

“Looking back, choosing Florida State University was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Morales said. “I am eternally grateful that I decided to go to a school where not only my future shined brighter but where I got to meet people who have impacted my life tremendously.” 

Morales is a part of FSU’s Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE) program. The CARE program has provided her with academic, financial, and emotional support as a first-generation Latina and college student.  

Morales is part of the Bridge to Law School program that works through CARE to help students build connections and network with other students and lawyers to gain insight into the legal field. She also works at the university as an FSU Ambassador, where she helps prospective students and parents by answering questions about the university and discussing her experiences 

This gives her the opportunity to connect with students with a similar background and talk about how the CARE program has supported her.  

During her junior year, Morales gained experience as an intern at the Leon County Public Defender’s Office where she worked with individuals who could not represent themselves in court by assisting with the jury selection process, fact-gathering for cases, delivering subpoenas, and interviewing witnesses. Morales was also involved in the Fellows Program of the Florida Supreme Court, where she worked on internal communications through social media and attended meetings with the justices and 3rd year law students.  

Morales was able to attend various work meetings, one of which was in Washington D.C. which allowed her to not only explore the capital but also interact on a personal and professional level with attorneys and the justices.   

Morales’ degree in sociology has been instrumental in preparing her for the next step in her academic journey. After graduation, Morales plans to attend law school to focus on immigration law and family law to help those who are facing injustices.  

She expresses gratitude towards Director of Undergraduate Studies and Sociology Professor Teresa Roach, Ph.D., for creating a supportive environment during her time in the program, crediting her as the reason she decided to major in sociology.  

Within FSU’s sociology program, Morales was encouraged to focus on sociological ideologies and find social, racial, and economic injustices within different demographics of people. The program guided her to analyze and question the systems that impact marginalized communities, including her own family. She was challenged to think critically about the roots of inequality and equipped with research skills for impactful advocacy.  

“I gained invaluable insights into the social norms and perceptions that shape our society and how these impact us all,” Morales said. “I want to be a voice for immigrants, like those who are in my family, and be able to set concrete laws and policies that will advance navigating injustices within our legal system.” 

To learn more about FSU’s Department of Sociology, visit cosspp.fsu.edu/sociology. For more information on FSU’s Department of Psychology, visit psychology.fsu.edu.