BA in Sociology

Kathleen Iribarren, 2026

Degree: BA in Sociology 

Hometown: Fairfax, Virginia

Future plans: Currently a certified pharmacy technician, Kathleen plans to use her skills and degree to work in hospital administration. 

Kathleen transferred to George Mason after previously attending William & Mary stating, “George Mason was the far more affordable option for me.” She was able to work while attending classes and avoid taking out loans. 

“George Mason also offers many online and night classes making it easier to balance my job with school. Most universities do not have the schedule flexibility George Mason offers.” 

Additionally, George Mason is close to her home and provided convenient commuter options. 

Kathleen’s parents met at George Mason when they were her age. Her father was enrolled in a graduate program, and her mother, like her, had transferred from another college. They were both working while attending George Mason and primarily taking night classes. Both of them, also like her, were a bit older than the average college student. They often told her how difficult it was to balance work and life while in college, but they were able to do it because George Mason offered options for students like them. 

She chose George Mason because she knew it would give her the flexibility she needed to complete her degree. She had accumulated significant loans and needed to be able to work while attending school.

Professors making an impact: “The professors at George Mason have been the most impactful part of my time here.”

One of her professors, Dromgold-Sermen in particular, made a strong impression on her. During finals one semester, she confused the due date for a final project and realized her mistake a few days later. The professor reached out after noticing the missing submission and offered support that helped her succeed in the course.

After the class ended, the professor also encouraged her to consider majoring in sociology since she was still undecided. A large part of her decision to pursue sociology came from that experience. She originally chose George Mason for its flexibility and a specific academic department, but after taking these classes and seeing her professors’ dedication to student success, she began to view both college and George Mason differently.

Previously, she was a physics major but became overwhelmed and unhappy in the program, which led her to transfer. She arrived at George Mason as an electrical engineering major. After a few semesters, she realized it still was not the right fit. When she changed her major to undecided and began taking sociology courses, she was unsure whether it would become her chosen direction. With the encouragement and support of her professors, including Dromgold-Sermen, she gained confidence that she was making the right decision.

Favorite George Mason memory: As a commuter and online student, she did not typically spend much time on campus, though she did have one in-person class that met for nearly three hours with a 15-minute break each session.

During one of those breaks, she went outside for fresh air and noticed that the art department had built igloos in central campus that students could enter. Having often seen campus events and flyers but rarely having time to participate, this moment stood out to her. The igloos, created by and for students, made her feel included in campus life despite spending most of her time off campus.

Advice for future Patriots: “Take your time. College is scary and expensive; the idea of failing can be overwhelming. Your professors want you to do well; George Mason wants you to do well. Trust that school is there to help you and reach out when you need help.”