Class of 2026: Jamie Pereira

A Sociology major with minors in Criminal Justice and Political Science, Jamie Pereira’s primary takeaway from his time as a Green Terror is his newfound confidence. Through faculty mentorship, immersing himself in a new culture in Budapest, and participating in multiple leadership societies, he has come a long way from the uncertain first-year student who took that first step on the Hill. After graduation, Jamie plans to take his love of learning and passion for engagement with him to the Maryland Peace Corps.

A male student in a McDaniel College shirt stands in front of stained glass windows.

I want to be remembered for my engagement as a student and my desire to learn more. I also want to be remembered as a smiling face at the front desk of Hoover Library.

Jamie Pereira '26

In his own words

When I took my first step on the Hill, I was:: High school left me feeling very unsure of myself, so I was someone who wasn’t confident in their capabilities.
The me who will ring the Old Main bell on Commencement Day is:: Confident and self-assured that I will make a positive impact wherever I find myself next.
Real-world experiences:: I interned for a nonprofit called The National Center for Citizen Safety, and I also studied abroad in Budapest. Budapest was my favorite as I got to experience living in a culture that’s very different from my own. I’ve lived in Westminster pretty much my entire life, so that was very significant for me.
My aha moment:: That I am capable of much more than I thought I was.

Footprints I'm leaving on the Hill:: I want to be remembered for my engagement as a student and my desire to learn more. I also want to be remembered as a smiling face at the front desk of Hoover Library.
Faculty or staff member who most influenced who I have become:: Dr. Elena Rumiano had the biggest influence on me. Not only was she very kind and I felt very comfortable coming to her for anything, but she helped me to realize what’s most important to me.
Best class ever:: My best class was Introduction to Sociology. I took it my first semester here at McDaniel, and it helped me discover my love for sociology. Originally, I wanted to be a History major, but I immediately switched to Sociology. It was like a lightbulb that went off in my head.

A male student stands with his arms crossed in Hoover Library.

Tell us a little about your activities, including sports, during your years at McDaniel:: I’m the president of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society here on campus. I’m also a member of National Security Fellows, the Honors Program, and several other leadership societies. During my junior year, I took part in the Maryland Student Legislature, where I presented and passed a bill that I constructed.
Took me totally by surprise:: How much my professors really do care about my success and future. I’ve always felt comfortable coming to the professors in my department about anything.
My favorite spot on campus:: My favorite place on campus is Hoover Library. Working there, I’ve noticed that it’s a space that unites everyone here at McDaniel, whether it’s faculty, staff, or students. It’s also just a great place to concentrate and get work done.
Most mind-boggling idea I learned at McDaniel:: How much support there is for first-year students. I took part in first-year move-in my second and third year, and it was amazing how quickly students were helped to get settled in. I also saw this as a peer mentor. There were so many resources for the first-years to ease into that transition from high school to college.
My capstone title:: “Practice What You Preach”
What it’s about in plain talk:: For my capstone, I conducted research on the church’s control over morals, looking into Christians and their habits, specifically porn consumption and number of sex partners. I found that the church’s influence has weakened, and even those that attend religious services the most still engaged in habits that go against what they are taught.
What's next:: I’m looking into taking a gap year with Maryland Peace Corps.
How will you stay connected to McDaniel?: I plan to stay connected with the community through the Alumni Association.

Jamie studied abroad in Budapest this past semester and after graduation he would like to either work for a state/federal government agency, or an international organization where he can make a positive difference in people’s lives, putting to good use his studies at McDaniel in Sociology and Political Science!

Cathy Gunther, Academic Life Operations Coordinator

Class of 2026: Jamie Pereira

In his own words

About Jamie