Class of 2021 outstanding graduates
Each semester, thousands of students graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences. In order to recognize those students this year, we asked for nominations from the units to recognize the best of the best of those students. Were they amazing for their academic capabilities? What about everything they endured and still managed to complete their degrees?
Here are a few of those amazing graduating students:
Niama Al-Nima
Philosophy and Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts
I think graduating from Ƶ is a reminder of all the things that my family and I had to go through to be able to get here. When I was a kid, my family and I didn't have many options, but graduating from Ƶ opens up options I never imagined I would ever have.
Nathan Bala
Dance
Show up. Show up for others, show up for your community, show up for yourself. It’s incredible how rewarding that is. Just show up. The rest will take care of itself.
Sarah Bellatti
Integrative Physiology
Each moment in life is fleeting, so the most beautiful thing I can do is be fully present in each day and moment. At Ƶ, I found my dearest mentors and best friends during the classes and experiences I had most feared and attempted to avoid. I will always carry with me the knowledge that there is a reason I am where I am, and to have faith that opportunities and connections will present themselves so long as I keep my eyes open to see them.
Grant Bowman
BFA Theatre (Acting)
I have a few short, simple pieces of advice for other acting students: Listen. Be on time. Know your lines. Don't stretch yourself too thin. Drink water. Try something different every rehearsal. Read a new play and watch a new film every week. Live a full life outside of the theatre. Have fun. Be yourself.
Taylor Christiansen
Integrative Physiology
The advice I would give to other students is to not compare yourself to others. ... You are enough. You belong at Ƶ. If you put in the work and believe in yourself you will succeed!!
Tyler Cohan
Integrative Physiology
Although college may seem daunting at first, there are so many people and resources available through Ƶ that are there to help you along your path. ... Whether it be professors, classmates, counselors, or friends, there are always people who are more than happy to support you at Ƶ.
Rita DiSibio
BFA Theatre
I think the most important thing I've learned from Ƶ that I will carry with me is to be true and authentic to who I am, and to always stand up for what is right, especially against the people we are most scared to speak out against. My career and my "connections" are never more important than the fight for equity in the arts.
Zoe Fischoff
Theatre
Having been in schooling of some kind for the past 20 years, graduating to me represents the first time the path in front of me is completely open-ended; a prospect both intimidating and exciting.
Hank Graham
Political Science
Though this is cliche, my time here has taught me to believe in myself. Whatever my next step is, this will allow me to reach for my goals and take shots that may make me nervous.
Perry Hayman
Integrative Physiology
The best piece of advice I could give to other students would be to get involved in all the things Ƶ has to offer--from rigorous clubs in STEM to the hammocking club, there is something for everyone. It is equally important to find things within your major that you like as it is important to find hobbies outside of school as well. Getting involved and meeting new people of different types opens many doors and creates connections that will last a lifetime.
Andrew Her
Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Minor in Japanese
Your time as an undergraduate student is one of transition and will be filled with many moments of uncertainty. From what major to select and what classes to take, to deciding on what graduate program to apply to, there will undoubtedly be many questions you will have that are going to be difficult to answer yourself. That's why one of the best pieces of advice I can offer you is to find your own mentor. This person will be someone who has already walked your path and can aid you in forging your own. This person will be a pillar of support and knowledge that can provide you a sense of confidence, recognition and encouragement. This person will be someone who can be a bridge connecting you to your dream job. As someone who has experienced many of these benefits from having a mentor I can tell you the advice and support that one can offer you is truly worth its weight in gold.
Lizzy (Elizabeth) Corona Jimenez
Spanish, International Affairs
Graduating from college represents a stepping stone to a world of opportunities. There have been many obstacles in my path, both physical and mental, but getting my diploma gave me proof that I'm capable of more. If I set my mind to it, I can accomplish great things.
Jemil Kassahun
International Affairs, Arabic minor
Based on what I know now, my best piece of advice for other students is to explore the topics and subjects that spark your interest or your curiosity, and don't be afraid to really delve in. College is your time to learn, explore, play, and enjoy accumulating knowledge that in a way you will never have the opportunity to do again. Live in the moment, reflect on it, and enjoy it.
Kate Kelly
Women & Gender Studies
The end of my classes and time at Ƶ does not mean my opportunity or drive for learning has come to a close. It is my community that has really inspired me to ask questions and keep going. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to walk along beside them and grow as a community.
Jasey Joohi Kim
Spanish, Finance
Graduating from college represents the hard work, sacrifices and accomplishments of my family. I could not have done this without them and the eternal love and support I have. This is as much theirs as it is mine.
Maddy Kunkel
International Affairs
I’ve always been curious, aching to explore new places, learn foreign languages, and read books on new and exciting topics. My time at Ƶ provided many opportunities to explore that curiosity through interesting classes, fun clubs, free talks and a semester abroad.
Kyle Lee
Dance
"Everyone's time comes differently. Some students will be able to complete within the traditional four years, but for others, it may take longer and that within itself is also valid. Some flowers only bloom on the night of a full moon. Only those who are patient enough to wait for it will see its true potential."
Dean Leininger
MA Asian Languages and Civilizations
My time at Ƶ represented a period of intense growth for me as a junior researcher and as an educator, but also represents an achievement on behalf of my family. As a first-generation college student, I'm proud to say that as a graduate of Ƶ Boulder that I will also become the first member of my family to attain a master's degree. But, most importantly, graduating from Ƶ Boulder represents one more step completed in my journey toward becoming a professor of Japanese literature. My experience here will form the foundation of a lifetime of language and literature teaching and learning, so I am proud to call myself a graduate of Ƶ Boulder.
Emily Mcintyre
Women & Gender Studies
If I could go back in time and tell my former self anything it would be this: there are going to be so many moments when you think you cannot do it, but you can (it will happen in the blink of an eye). And when you do, the feeling will be indescribable (no one can take that away from you).
Allen Means
English, Japanese
The best piece of advice I have for other students is to take advantage of the time and community resources that being in school provides. You don’t really know what you have until it’s gone, and it’s important that students use their experience at Ƶ as an opportunity to make connections and allow themselves to rely on the people they meet here. I’ve met so many supportive people in this community and it’s something I will take with me for the rest of my life. I think some of the most brilliant students spend their whole college career looking ahead to “after graduation” without taking the time to enjoy what they have already. Everything in life is a process, and you can’t spend every moment waiting for a feeling of finality. I think a lot of students need to hear that they are already on the path to wherever they need to be, even if something different or unexpected lies ahead. If I could go back to my first year and tell myself anything, it would be "You’re still here. You have already made it."
Adam Miller
Integrative Physiology
Explore everything the school has to offer early in your freshman year, even if you don’t know what you want your major to be. ... Whether it’s a minor, club, or not even related to school, just do something you’re passionate about and don’t make the same mistake I did of waiting too long.
Grant Morgan
Biochemistry and Spanish (Spanish Language and Literatures)
College is when you get to find out who you are and who you will be. What do you stand for? What do you want to live and die for? There will be no pre-laid path, so you must devote the next few years to knowing yourself, then take a leap of faith into a life lived passionately in service of others!
Viktoria Padilla
BFA Theatre, Lighting Design and Technology, BA Psychology
Wherever this journey may take me, my college experience has made me realize that I can do and be whoever I want to be. I will always cherish the fact that college gave me privilege, a family, and a purpose.
Sarah Quagliato
Chinese
Explore the topics and subjects that spark your interest or your curiosity, and don't be afraid to really delve in. College is your time to learn, explore, play and enjoy accumulating knowledge that in a way you will never have the opportunity to do again. Live in the moment, reflect on it, and enjoy it.
Lindsey-Grey Quint
International affairs, Chinese
Failure is inevitable and it also one of the greatest blessings in life. Freshman year, I failed the first two midterms I ever took. ... However, if it were not for failing those midterms, I never would have been given the chance to learn what it meant to fully commit myself to my personal growth and my education. There will be so many instances when you will make less than ideal choices (hanging out with your friends before a final, not prioritizing school work, etc). As long as you make better choices moving forward and learn from your failures, success will follow.
Kiar Rickert
Women and Gender Studies
You belong here. It can be hard as marginalized students to feel welcomed into institutions that weren't built for us, but we need to be here for ourselves and others. Marginalized knowledge production makes such a difference in our world. Finding your people is crucial to this. Once I found other queer students, staff, and faculty, I found real community for the first time in my life. The care you receive from that community will change your life. Don't be afraid to lean on each other and offer support when others struggle in your community. You belong here and your presence makes space for yourself and others.
Matt Strong
Computer Science with a minor in Chinese
The single tip I wish I had known as a younger undergraduate student was to seek out great mentors. During high school, there are more restrictions on what you can do as an individual. However, in college, different majors and different people lead to a variety of different paths and freedoms, and to excel on those paths, I believe mentors are often necessary. ... There are so many brilliant, talented mentors out there; I encourage you to find them!
Giovanni Tin
Integrative Physiology
My biggest advice for other students is to use all your resources! Getting to know my peers, talking to my teachers, and joining clubs has been key in achieving good grades and having a great time at Ƶ.
Rain Young
BFA Theatre (Stage Management)
Always advocate for yourself first! I've always been someone who will say yes to everything, but over the course of my college career I learned that its okay to say no for the sake of your mental health. Its okay to take mental health days and its okay to reach out and ask for help when you need it!