University System of Georgia Lauds Kat Torres, '21
Posted: March 10, 2022 by Stephanie Troutman
[Note: This article is a modified version of an article by Nikki Nicholson that originally appeared in the 91ÁÔÆæ Newsroom (/news/articles/2022/02/torres-honored-by-university-system.php) on 23 Feb 2022.]
Once again, Katherine "Kat" Torres has received recognition for her outstanding undergraduate career with PSIA. Kat, a native of Hoschton, GA and alum of Mill Creek H.S., was honored by the on February 8, 2022 at its annual Academic Recognition Day. There were 26 honorees in total–one from each academic institution in the University System. All awardees have a high GPA, strive for excellence, and have the ability to share knowledge in various areas of expertise. The honorees received a resolution from the GA House of Representatives and a letter of commendation from USG Acting Chancellor Teresa MacCartney.
In addition to the USG Academic Recognition Day honor, Kat has had the following accolades bestowed upon her during her undergrad time with PSIA: Highest GPA for a Political Science Senior on the 91ÁÔÆæ Gainesville Campus for the 2021-2022 Academic Year; ; ; , and multiple .
Kat graduated from 91ÁÔÆæ's Gainesville Campus in August 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree with a pre-law concentration. She states that her time at 91ÁÔÆæ afforded her "the opportunity to attend numerous international affairs, public policy, and diplomacy career exploration seminars." A pivotal moment for Kat was the Cox-State Department Diplomacy Seminar she attended in 2019, where she realized that her interests in international affairs, public service, and cultural exchange could be best served in a career in the Foreign Service. This insight led her to seek out opportunities to build the necessary skill set for this career goal. Kat states, "Some opportunities I experienced included my study abroad through Gilman in Australia in 2019; attending the PPIA International Affairs Weekend at Albany in 2019; serving as the Sophomore Class Representative in Student Government; and working as a peer advisor for the Global Engagement Office."
Kat is currently utilizing her Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Taiwan during the 2021-2022 academic year. This opportunity has been culturally significant for both Kat and for those with whom she interacts. She states, "My teaching position at a small rural school has allowed me to get to know my students more personally and as a Latina-American, start impactful conversations with locals and students regarding cultural differences and similarities between Kinmen, Taiwan, China, the U.S., and Latine culture." She is enjoying this experience so much that she is considering staying another year before starting graduate school.
PSIA is proud to have Kat represent us as a member of the #PSIAfamily. We congratulate her on her recognition by the University System of Georgia, and wish her continued success in her current and future endeavors.