Lilliana Canino
Hometown: Littleton, Colorado
Major: Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Minor: Spanish
Lilliana was recently inducted into CSU’s Delta of Colorado chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most respected undergraduate honor society.
How did you decide to study Sociology?
I honestly just chose Sociology on a whim! I saw that I could have a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice—which is something I’ve always been passionate about—and ended up with a Sociology major! Also, I thought Sociology as a whole was extremely interesting and something I could apply to my life outside of school!
Why did you choose CSU?
I chose CSU because upon touring the campus my senior year of high school, I felt immediately at home. The campus is beautiful and offers so many opportunities and extracurricular activities. It was also far enough yet close to my home which was important to me as well.
What skills have you learned and how do you plan to apply them?
Studying sociology has taught me to think critically about the world around me and to better understand the deeper social forces that shape people’s lives. I’ve developed skills in research, communication, and cultural awareness, all of which help me approach situations with empathy and a broader perspective. Whether I’m analyzing data, having conversations with people from different backgrounds, or thinking about how policies impact communities, I now find myself asking better questions and looking beneath the surface. I plan to apply these skills in any career I pursue—especially in roles that involve helping others, addressing inequality, or working toward meaningful social change—because sociology has not only expanded my knowledge, but also my sense of purpose.
What clubs/organizations are you involved in?
I am a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, a Panhellenic sorority on campus. I have also been involved in various intramural sports throughout my years here.
A favorite class or professor and why:
My favorite class has been Criminal Investigations taught by Fort Collins Police Lieutenant Kevin Cronin. It was such a cool experience to hear about first-hand experiences from a police officer. I would recommend this course to anyone and everyone at CSU!
A favorite CSU memory:
It is so hard to pick just one, but I would have to say my collective memories during my time as a member of Zeta Tau Alpha have been my favorite! Participating in FSL week activities was a blast and I’m definitely going to miss that the most!
What are you pursuing after graduation?
My plans after graduation are to stay up here in Fort Collins and continue my job as a Security Temp at Larimer County Community Corrections! Further down the road, I am hoping to get my early childhood education teaching license to teach 1st grade!