Thomas Tong '20
Psychology and Sociology double major
Minor in Health, Medicine, and Society

Why Stony Brook?
I heard about Stony Brook University through a friend, who later became my schoolmate. It’s also a school with an appealing clinical psychology program and research opportunities. The University’s respect and appreciation for diversity also prompted me to choose it over other options. Another reason why I chose Stony Brook was the coastal suburban environment and its comfortable distance from one of the most exhilarating places in the world — New York City.

On his program of study:
I selected psychology as my first major because I always knew I wanted to study about the human mind and group behaviors. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been fascinated by the ways our minds operate. I still find myself deeply drawn to various aspects of the almost divinely complex and mysterious human brain and consciousness. It wasn’t until I took my first introductory sociology course with Professor Nicholas Wilson that I fell in love with the subject of sociology. It was such a refreshing and holistic perspective for me at the time. While analyzing the same matters of human behaviors and interactions, sociology offers a more macro-level and aggregative interpretation than psychology. Declaring sociology as my second major was one of the best choices I made in college. I declared my minor Health, Medicine, and Society (MHS) as I took more classes in medical sociology and neuropsychopharmacology. I was inspired by extraordinary professors and mentors like Catherine Marrone, who delivers fascinating lectures on health, aging, human reproduction, and social inequality.

The decisions on my majors and minor were also motivated by an unfortunate loss in my personal life, which pushed me closer to a profession of helping and bringing positive influence to other people. I aspire to become an industrial and organizational psychologist after graduate study in the U.K. If the opportunity presents itself one day, I wish to acquire a PhD degree in clinical psychology to pursue my dream career path in psychotherapy.

On his favorite class:
One of my favorite classes was SOC 390; it was a special topic course in sociology of identity. The class offered eye-opening analysis on social structures and interactions through developmental as well as psychosocial perspectives. The instructor of the class, Kenneth Feldman, is incredibly engaging and witty. I learned so much from the class and I still remember the jokes and thought-provoking stories Professor Feldman told while sitting on the desk in front of the podium. I’m grateful for his guidance and inspiration; if it weren’t because of him, my passion and comprehension of sociology wouldn’t be possible.

Interests and Hobbies:
I love trying and learning new things, such as skateboarding or picking up a couple of words in a new language. I enjoy music, movies, writing, and traveling; I’m very much a bookworm. My favorite genres are history, poetry, political satires, mysteries and thrillers.

Awards and Achievements:
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award — Division of Student Affairs and the Division of Undergraduate Education (2019)

Dean’s List for six straight semesters 

Clubs and Organizations:
President and Vice President of International Student Organization (ISO); a member of SB UNICEF, a Stony Brook University campus initiative of United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. We fundraised money for humanitarian projects to improve children’s well-being across the world; a member of Stony Brook LGBTA (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alliance). 

I worked as an office assistant in the Office of Global Affairs on campus for three years. I volunteered as an International Student Ambassador (ISA) to assist international orientation and was later recruited for a season as an intern assistant in Student Orientation and Family Programs in Stony Brook University. As an intern, I administered most of international orientation and supervised student staff members. 

Favorite SBU memory:  
My favorite SBU memory is hanging out with my friends on Staller steps, sometimes playing frisbee or soccer. And of course, there were the bittersweet all-nighters my friends and I pulled once in a while.

Advice for future Seawovles: 
Three pieces of advice. Seize every opportunity to try as many new things as you possibly can; go to clubs and events that interest you, but also things you might not have tried before; you will discover new things about yourselves only when you step out of your comfort zone. My second advice for future Seawolves is to actively establish and maintain networks and relationships with friends, employers, professors, etc. Many find connecting with professors to be intimidating, but professors usually don’t mean to intimidate; the more you go and chat with your professors, the more likely they will remember you. That will help you further both in the class as well as other potential opportunities. Opportunities go to those who seek for them. Finally, take care of your physical and mental health first; this might seem basic — because it is. Nothing else matters if you can’t take care of yourself. You should only pull all-nighters a handful of times in college; for most of the time, get enough sleep and food. And remember there’s always CAPS!

On graduating during COVID-19:
I will be attending the virtual commencement. There’s no doubt that this has been an unprecedented and stressful year for everyone. Learning and working became more challenging. I’d like to congratulate the Class of 2020 for making it to the end. Frankly, graduating at this time feels strangely bittersweet. Living through an important chapter of human history may sound exciting, but it actually is emotionally draining given everything that happened this year.

Parting thoughts: 
I don’t have much regret with my experiences and wouldn’t exchange them for anything else. I whole-heartedly thank my family, all my friends, mentors and professors for supporting me. Mostly, Kenneth Feldman, Trista Lu, Catherine Marrone, I’m ever grateful for everything. Thank you for believing in me.