Sociology – Outstanding Senior 2022

Honor graduation status

• Summa cum laude

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership, Service

• English as a Second Language (ESL) volunteer
• Senior Home Volunteer, Granada, Nicaragua
• Literacy Campaign Volunteer

Internships & Employment

• Learning Assistant for Sociology of Food class
• Brand Representative, Abercrombie & Fitch
• Certified Sitter, Rover.com

Undergraduate Research

• Perception of International vs. Domestic Students at WSU Pullman

Awards & Recognition

• National Society of Honor and Success

Honored Faculty and Mentors

• Dr. Julie Kmec, Sociology
• Dr. Mariana Amorim, Sociology
• Andrea De La Barrera Montppellier, Sociology

Faculty Comments

“Mr. Aburto’s positive and energetic attitude, hard work ethic, and passion for pursuing a career utilizing his sociology and business training in Public Policy and Community Development is quite remarkable and impressive. Throughout his time at WSU, he has shown a desire to further develop his research and leadership skills.

“I have worked with a range of undergraduates and Mr. Aburto ranks among the top in terms of his dedication and commitment to being an engaged sociologist and pursuing his professional passions. He is reliable, persistent, organized, and motivated. He has always demonstrated strong intellectual curiosity enabling him to broaden his perspective, see connections between ideas, and practice critical thinking.” –Dr. Sarah Whitley

Personal Statement

“My time at WSU helped me to discover the great potential I have. My personal and academic journeys have been rather atypical and unorthodox, but I stand here today, humbled and proud, for having finished this first part of the adventure. Many people have dreamed this dream with and for me. Some of them do not walk the path of life among us anymore. This recognition, however, is a tribute to each one of them whose lessons, values, and prayers made it possible for me to be living this moment right now. I want to thank the Department of Sociology for thinking of me for this award. To my professors and mentors who instilled in me the great joy of learning and provided me with unique and valuable knowledge that will come extremely useful for the rest of my days. I want to thank, particularly, Dr. Julie Kmec, Dr. Mariana Amorim, Dr. Jennifer Sherman, Dr. Sarah Whitley, and PhD candidate Andrea De La Barrera for believing in me every step of the way. They did not only encourage me to dream big, but also taught me and gave me tools to work hard in order to achieve big. Of course, I also want to say thank you to my family. Some of them came here all the way from Nicaragua to share this moment with me, and some of them are waiting for me to come home and celebrate. I am nothing but a simple guy who was born and raised with lots of love in Nicaragua, came to this country as an immigrant, dreamed about one day getting into college and graduating. That dream is no longer a dream but a reality as of today, and I cannot be more thankful to life for giving me strength to overcome all the many obstacles presented and for reminding me who I am, what I am capable of, where I come from, and where I am going. Thank you, WSU, for being the institution that said yes, and for marking me a professional today. Thank you for making me part of the Coug spirit and for providing me with so many great opportunities during my time here. Thank you so much!“

Future Plans

Javier will spend this summer in Nicaragua as an intern with a non-profit working with coffee farmers. With their revenues, the coffee farmers will build programs for the community. Javier will return to the U.S. for graduate school at the University of Notre Dame for a master’s degree in Global Affairs and Sustainable Development.