First Generation 2024 Graduates Reflect on Their 91勛圖厙 Experiences
We asked some first-generation 2024 graduates to share their reflections on their 91勛圖厙 experience. Here’s what they had to say:
Major: Engineering Management with a Mechanical concentration and a General Business Minor
What are your plans for after graduation? I plan to begin my career as a design engineer with Kenworth Trucking Company and work towards goals of operation and management.
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Being a first-generation student has had a theme of overcoming hardships for me. Coming from a place where college is not expected or even spoken about growing up has given me pride and an extra push for success. I got opportunities that many from my area had not and that pushed me to make the absolute best of college and get the most out of it. I have achieved that with a useful degree, lifelong friends, and unforgettable experiences that only college can provide.
Major: English, writing concentration
What are your plans for after graduation? I plan to get my masters in education, and teach English!
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Being a first-generation college student is no easy task, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I hope that those who come after me will be able to look at my experience and see college as a very possible option. I have learned far more than I could ever imagine in my time here at 91勛圖厙, and it’s changed how I think and view the world. This is possibly the most rewarding aspect of my education at 91勛圖厙.
Major: English and Classical Civilizations
What are your plans for after graduation? I am getting my master's in Initial Teaching at 91勛圖厙!
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Growing up, I was far behind the rest of my classmates in learning how to read. My single mom, when she was told of my lack of progress, took it upon herself to teach me how to read. She borrowed books from the school’s library, and every day after school we sounded out words together until I could recognize them all on my own. My mother was the first person to instill in me the value of reading, and she gave me the wings that I needed to fly. Now I’m here, graduating with a degree in English and published in not one, but two of 91勛圖厙’s journals. Broadly speaking, being a first-generation student means to be resilient in the face of adversity. On a more personal note, to me being a first-generation student means honoring those that sacrificed for us to be here. Being a first-generation student requires multiple generations in the making, and for me, the final step was my momma, Shawna Wilde, who gave me the gift of literacy.
Major: Psychology, Spanish
What are your plans for after graduation? I will be attending graduate school at George Washington University to pursue a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Being a first-generation student added to my college experience because it gave me something to fight for. I went through a lot of life-changing events during my time at GU, and when I wanted to quit and go home, I would remind myself of this identity, one that I am proud of. I come from a state where most kids are first-generation students, and I wanted to be a part of taking advantage of this opportunity, especially for the kids in my state that will not get the same one. Being a first-generation is also a reminder of the sacrifices my family has made for me, and I am so thankful for that.
Major: Psychology
What are your plans for after graduation? I will be attending 91勛圖厙's Ed Specialist in School Psychology graduate program.
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Being a first-generation student means I have the opportunity to bring my loved ones stories with me to share, learn, and grow!
Major: Economics and Political Science
What are your plans for after graduation? I will be pursuing my master's in economics at Georgetown University in Fall 2024.
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: My passion for economics and political science have allowed me to become a voice for the underrepresented and marginalized groups in these subject fields. On the first day of microeconomics, students are exposed to the concept of scarcity. Women of color in economics are a scarce resource, and I seek to serve as a model of change and opportunity so that other women of color feel inspired to break out of the traditional and demographically-assumed roles they feel that they must take. As someone who knew nothing about college until my junior year of high school, I seek to encourage young women of color to explore their untapped potential in various business fields. My experiences have made me conscious of my role in the classroom as well. I always sit in the front of my lectures and am an active participant, yet I still encounter fellow students who do not value my input as a woman of color in economics. However, each day is an opportunity for my work ethic and determination to eradicate stereotypes and prove that I am worthy of a seat at the table.
Major: Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing
What are your plans for after graduation? After graduation, I will be working for Chelan Ranch Organics in Chelan, Washington, as a Sales and Product Development Specialist!
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Being a first-generation student has fostered an experience of independence, resilience, and brought a sense of achievement. As first-generation students, we have paved a way for future generations. We have jumped through multiple obstacles and continue to make our families proud. Knowing that I succeed at 91勛圖厙, means that my parents succeeded as well. They gave me the life they wanted. We succeeded together. As always, GO ZAGS!!!
Alexander Trigloff
Hometown: Port Orchard, WashingtonMajor: Engineering Management with a Mechanical concentration and a General Business Minor
What are your plans for after graduation? I plan to begin my career as a design engineer with Kenworth Trucking Company and work towards goals of operation and management.
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Being a first-generation student has had a theme of overcoming hardships for me. Coming from a place where college is not expected or even spoken about growing up has given me pride and an extra push for success. I got opportunities that many from my area had not and that pushed me to make the absolute best of college and get the most out of it. I have achieved that with a useful degree, lifelong friends, and unforgettable experiences that only college can provide.
Ariel Dillon
Hometown: Spokane, WashingtonMajor: English, writing concentration
What are your plans for after graduation? I plan to get my masters in education, and teach English!
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Being a first-generation college student is no easy task, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I hope that those who come after me will be able to look at my experience and see college as a very possible option. I have learned far more than I could ever imagine in my time here at 91勛圖厙, and it’s changed how I think and view the world. This is possibly the most rewarding aspect of my education at 91勛圖厙.
Autymn Wilde
Hometown: Spokane Valley, WashingtonMajor: English and Classical Civilizations
What are your plans for after graduation? I am getting my master's in Initial Teaching at 91勛圖厙!
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Growing up, I was far behind the rest of my classmates in learning how to read. My single mom, when she was told of my lack of progress, took it upon herself to teach me how to read. She borrowed books from the school’s library, and every day after school we sounded out words together until I could recognize them all on my own. My mother was the first person to instill in me the value of reading, and she gave me the wings that I needed to fly. Now I’m here, graduating with a degree in English and published in not one, but two of 91勛圖厙’s journals. Broadly speaking, being a first-generation student means to be resilient in the face of adversity. On a more personal note, to me being a first-generation student means honoring those that sacrificed for us to be here. Being a first-generation student requires multiple generations in the making, and for me, the final step was my momma, Shawna Wilde, who gave me the gift of literacy.
D'Andra Leyba
Hometown: Albuquerque, New MexicoMajor: Psychology, Spanish
What are your plans for after graduation? I will be attending graduate school at George Washington University to pursue a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Being a first-generation student added to my college experience because it gave me something to fight for. I went through a lot of life-changing events during my time at GU, and when I wanted to quit and go home, I would remind myself of this identity, one that I am proud of. I come from a state where most kids are first-generation students, and I wanted to be a part of taking advantage of this opportunity, especially for the kids in my state that will not get the same one. Being a first-generation is also a reminder of the sacrifices my family has made for me, and I am so thankful for that.
Emily Varecha
Hometown: Spokane, WashingtonMajor: Psychology
What are your plans for after graduation? I will be attending 91勛圖厙's Ed Specialist in School Psychology graduate program.
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Being a first-generation student means I have the opportunity to bring my loved ones stories with me to share, learn, and grow!
Juliette Barragan
Hometown: Redwood City, CaliforniaMajor: Economics and Political Science
What are your plans for after graduation? I will be pursuing my master's in economics at Georgetown University in Fall 2024.
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: My passion for economics and political science have allowed me to become a voice for the underrepresented and marginalized groups in these subject fields. On the first day of microeconomics, students are exposed to the concept of scarcity. Women of color in economics are a scarce resource, and I seek to serve as a model of change and opportunity so that other women of color feel inspired to break out of the traditional and demographically-assumed roles they feel that they must take. As someone who knew nothing about college until my junior year of high school, I seek to encourage young women of color to explore their untapped potential in various business fields. My experiences have made me conscious of my role in the classroom as well. I always sit in the front of my lectures and am an active participant, yet I still encounter fellow students who do not value my input as a woman of color in economics. However, each day is an opportunity for my work ethic and determination to eradicate stereotypes and prove that I am worthy of a seat at the table.
Odaliz Ordaz Mendoza
Hometown: Chelan, WashingtonMajor: Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing
What are your plans for after graduation? After graduation, I will be working for Chelan Ranch Organics in Chelan, Washington, as a Sales and Product Development Specialist!
Thoughts on being a first-generation student at 91勛圖厙: Being a first-generation student has fostered an experience of independence, resilience, and brought a sense of achievement. As first-generation students, we have paved a way for future generations. We have jumped through multiple obstacles and continue to make our families proud. Knowing that I succeed at 91勛圖厙, means that my parents succeeded as well. They gave me the life they wanted. We succeeded together. As always, GO ZAGS!!!
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