Fourth-year criminology student Abby Fusaro puts premium on helping others

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For Abby Fusaro, a fourth-year Penn State student majoring in criminology with a minor in psychology, success is not a single outcome. It is defined by the people she has helped along the way.

“I love helping people and coming up with ways to make their lives a little less stressful,” Fusaro said. “I enjoy showing students a new technique or skill that could benefit them in their daily lives.”

Originally from Newton Square, Fusaro came to Penn State with a long-standing interest in criminal justice. Academically, classes such as CRIM 249: Criminology Theory and Evidence and CRIM 250W: Research Methods in Criminology helped Fusaro gain a deeper understanding of why people commit crimes.

Meanwhile, CRIM 453: Women and the Criminal Justice System also left an impression on Fusaro, she said. The course allowed her to work on case studies that helped further her interest in advocacy and representation within the legal system.

Fusaro’s passion for helping others and ensuring students feel supported in their own journey extends beyond the classroom.

As co-founder and president of the Liberal Arts Chaiken Center Pre-Law Group, Fusaro helps build a space where students interested in pursuing law can find guidance, resources and community. What began in the fall of 2024 as a small group for Chaiken Scholars has quickly expanded into a student resource open to all College of the Liberal Arts students.

“We saw an opportunity to create more peer-to-peer connection for students interested in law,” she said. “There’s a lot to learn about the path, and having a space where students can share information and support each other has been really valuable.”

“The Pre-Law Group is more than a traditional club; it’s more of a support system,” Fusaro said.

Through group events such as LSAT preparation, resume workshops, guest speaker panels and even visits to courthouses, students can gain both practical knowledge and a sense of belonging, Fusaro said.

“We always say we’re all in this together,” she said. “If someone learns new information, it’s helpful for everyone.”

For Fusaro, the most rewarding part of her leadership within the organization is seeing students gain clarity and confidence in their goals.

In addition to the Pre-Law Group, Fusaro’s commitment to mentorship is reflected in her role as a peer success coach, a position she has held for three years. As a first-generation college student, she understands the uncertainty many students face when navigating college.

“When I got here, I didn’t really know who to turn to,” she said. “So, being able to be that person for someone else, especially for first-generation students, it means a lot to me.”

Through one-on-one guidance, Fusaro helps students develop routines, improve study habits and build confidence. She said she approaches every meeting with adaptability and understanding.

While Fusaro now leads with confidence, her journey wasn’t without challenges during her early college days, she noted. Back then, she struggled to ask for help and often felt overwhelmed trying to manage everything on her own.

“I was scared to ask for help for the longest time,” she said.

Stepping into leadership roles and confronting her fear of public speaking pushed Fusaro outside of her comfort zone. Over time, she gradually built confidence by consistently putting herself in situations that required her to push her own boundaries and embrace growth.

Those experiences have shaped both Fusaro’s personal and professional outlook. She said she hopes to carry that mindset into her future career in law, where her goal is to help others.

Fusaro is especially passionate about advocating for survivors of domestic violence, emphasizing the importance of continued awareness and support for vulnerable communities.

“No matter what kind of law I pursue, it’s about making someone’s life a little easier,” she said.

At Penn State, Fusaro has found more than just academic and professional growth; she has found true community within the Chaiken Center and Pre-Law Group.

“It’s like a little family,” she said. “Everyone is here to support each other.”

After graduating, Fusaro will attend Villanova University College of Professional Studies to earn her paralegal certificate, a next step toward a career in law centered on advocacy and support. Building on her experiences at Penn State, she plans to continue working with individuals navigating complex legal systems, with a focus on supporting survivors of domestic violence.