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The ISS team welcomed Thor Locania as Admissions and Outreach Adviser this year. Thor joined Integrated Social Sciences in January. They come to ISS from UW Bothell Admissions, bringing experience in student recruitment and admissions processes. Thor is enthusiastic about working with prospective ISSers and expanding awareness about the program. This summer, Thor took some time for a Q&A to highlight their background, interests, and experience joining Integrated Social Sciences.

What stands out as a high point in your experience with ISS so far? Do any “aha moments” come to mind as you have become familiar with the mission and/or impact of ISS?

The ISS mission fosters an inclusive and equitable environment by providing access to a UW education in an online environment. With DEI under attack, it is more important than ever to stay grounded in the principles we claim to follow. After a few months working in this program and with my team, it became clear that the mission was not just talk or idealistic higher education dreams. The admission process looks at applicants as more complex than GPA and grades, as we understand that there is so much more to a story than just academic history. All those involved in Integrated Social Sciences believe in their students and the program mission, and that passion is infused into the program. 

What do you enjoy about working with prospective students?

Working with prospective students means making connections with every kind of person you can imagine. People have unique motivations and come from all walks of life, but becoming a student can be a unifying experience. Everyone in a higher education setting, from faculty and staff to graduating students started as prospective students. We all started somewhere, and guiding prospective students at the start of their journey is a rewarding experience. 

What aspects of your background have informed your approach to admissions and outreach in higher education?

As a first generation and neurodivergent college graduate, my higher education journey was unusual and a tad unconventional. Seriously, no one does two master’s degree programs for a reason! Time, money, and a tiny bit of sanity could have been saved if proper guidance during my high school and undergraduate years had been given. With no money, no support, and no blueprint to follow, I had to navigate higher education on my own. While I am happy to say that eventually I figured it out, my career path emerged due to the lack of advising I received during those years. The struggle was real and entirely avoidable, so I use my experiences, identities, and education to help others. Why waste a struggle when I can use what I have picked up along the way to make the journey of others a bit easier?

How did you end up at UW?

After spending so many years at the University of Arizona, continuing at a large, public university felt like a natural fit. I made the trek to WA in November 2021, and started applying to positions within the UW system after narrowing down the list of universities I wanted to work for. UWB Admissions offered me a position as an Admissions Adviser in December, and that’s where I stayed for three years. Eager to return to a larger campus and take the next step in my career, I accepted the Admission and Outreach Adviser position with Integrated Social Sciences. 

What do you like best about living in Washington?

Having spent 14 years in the AZ desert, the weather and greenery cannot be beat here! I will never go back to the heat, no matter how dry native Arizonans claim it is. Do not be fooled by the dry heat propaganda. The nature, the views, and the culture here are what I have been craving for years, and I am so happy to consider myself a WA resident now.