May is a big month for folks graduating, and I'm sorry for not acknowledging that in our last newsletter. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2020! It may seem odd to celebrate wins when so many of us are emotionally and mentally exhausted from engaging with trauma, activism, and organizing during the past weeks. However, I think this fatigue makes celebrating with each other and bragging on each other that much more important.
What an accomplishment! You completed a difficult task and overcame obstacles with varying degrees of support. Feelings may be complicated right now, but your network stands with you and is proud of you! Below are shoutouts for the folks who shared their graduation announcements!
Imani Elston (NAU '16 & my ALC 3 buddy!) graduated from University of California, Los Angeles with a B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering and a minor in Urban and Regional Studies. Though she graduated virtually, Imani was selected as the Student Commencement Speaker for the School of Engineering's ceremony. You can check it out here, starting at 18:25.
Esmerelda Hic (UCSC) graduated from the University of California, Irvine with my B.S. in Earth System Science and my B.A. in Chicano/Latino Studies. In July, Esmerelda will be relocating from their home in Southern California to Washington D.C. as a RAY Diversity Fellow working with the Institute for Market Transformation.
Maria Ramirez graduated with a B.A in Environment & Sustainability at Sewanee: The University of the South in Tennessee with a double minor in Spanish and Music.