From First Drop to Final Loop

Mayra Coyoy

Photographed by Tiffany Sanchez

If Towson University had a theme park, Katherine Avlos would be the student who knew exactly when to raise her hands, hold on tight, and simply enjoy the view.

For her, college was not just about classes and deadlines; it was a transformative journey full of ups and downs, surprises, and defining moments that shaped who she is today.

Before stepping onto campus, Katherine envisioned her future blending stability with creativity. Nursing and teaching crossed her mind until Emily in Paris changed everything.

“She was traveling, living her best life, and working in marketing. And I was like, ‘Wait. That’s literally my dream job.’”

Towson wasn’t her original first choice, but after comparing opportunities, diversity, and environment, TU easily won her over.

“It felt right. The perfect distance from home, and a place where I could truly grow.”

Her first-year housing brought its own twists and turns, highs she cherished and lows she powered through, but she reflects on it with a smile.

“It was a rollercoaster, but overall? Worth it. A big campus community, lots of support. A solid four stars.”

Katherine didn’t just ride the track; she soared. Her achievements include:

• Top 10% ceremony invite

• Delegate Diana Jones Scholarship

• Gwyneth Dunbar Scholarship

• Nominated for Commencement Speaker

Her favorite class? Consumer Marketing with Professor Larry Dukes.

“Such a kind professor. Chill in the best way, but still challenging. It felt like an excellent high school class, comfortable but productive.”

A major milestone was her internship with the City of Annapolis Recreation & Parks.

“A year and a half. It pushed me hard, but it helped me grow even more.”

College for Katherine was more than academics; it was deeply personal.

Her Latina identity shaped her journey through LASO during her first year, her community involvement, and her embrace of her first-gen pride.

“I’m very proud to be Latina. Towson helped me meet people who understood and supported me.”

But she also faced dark tunnels.

“There was a point when I lost myself. I forgot why I was here. I needed a wake-up call, that ‘you’re doing this for your family’ reminder.”

Finding her faith brought stability and clarity.

“God grounded me. It helped me mature and see things in a brighter light.”

By senior year, she emerged more confident, self-aware, and unapologetically herself.

“I became more in tune with who I am and what I stand for.”

Some of Katherine’s most cherished campus memories include:

• MentHER, where she was paired with a BGE mentor teaching professionalism, interview skills, and networking

• ALPFA and its New Jersey symposium

• Countless late-night study sessions with friends

Balancing it all required discipline and scheduling magic.

“I worked three jobs, two internships, and a part-time job. Sometimes friends came first, sometimes school did. You learn quickly what matters.”

To her freshman self: “It’s going to be okay. Take it one day at a time.”

To Latino students: “Network early and often. Use all the resources. Remember, you are here for a reason.”

To anyone entering college: “Don’t rush. Enjoy your four years; they fly by.”

After graduation, Katherine plans to take a short break before jumping into the workforce. She aims for a three-month contract, hopes to travel, for example, to Italy, and eventually build her own business.

Her five-year plan?

• Buy a home

• Travel to three countries

• Secure job stability

• Live a life beyond paycheck-to-paycheck

Long-term, she remains open to possibilities: law school, a PhD, or becoming a professor someday.

“Who knows? But I love the idea of teaching in the future.”

Her go-to treat? Chick-fil-A cookies & cream milkshake, even with lactose intolerance.

College soundtrack? Bad Bunny during freshman year, The Marías in senior year. But the song would be The Climb by Miley Cyrus.

Dream brand vibe? Warm vanilla perfumes—rich, soft, unforgettable.

Favorite luxury feel? Chanel—“classy, timeless, me.”

As graduation approaches, Katherine laughs and warns, “Don’t bring it up, I’ll cry.”

She’s still processing the ending, and that’s okay. Like a rollercoaster, sometimes final moments sneak up on you.

But she knows this: Towson gave her the space to grow, stumble, discover herself, and emerge stronger.

Every twist taught her resilience. Every turn made her braver. Every climb revealed her potential.

As she steps off this ride into her next adventure, she carries with her the memories and the confidence that the best rides don’t end. They simply lead to the next one.