What the Class of 2025 wants you to know

Read words of wisdom泭from some of the many talented泭and innovative students who are graduating and starting on their next adventures. As they become Forever Buffs, they leave their inspirational legacieswith advice and reflectionfor those who follow.泭

What graduating means to you

Hermann Klein-Hessling Barrientos

泭I am a proud Pell Grant recipient and the first in my family to earn an undergraduate degree in the U.S. and become an engineer. My parents are immigrants and sacrificed a lot for me. Now its up to me to determine what a better life represents and whether that path keeps me in America or takes me beyond it.

唬堯梗鳥楚紳眶娶25
Outstanding Undergraduate of the College of Engineering and Applied Science; Perseverance Award

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Sarah Carleo

泭Graduating from college represents proof of growth. CU has been a tool to stretch myself, and I think Ill carry a lot of that in the future.

釦喧娶硃喧唬棗鳥鳥25
William W. White Outstanding Senior
Co-director, Social Media, Public Relations Student Society of America

Zaria Ireon Cast

泭Graduating from graduate school proved to myself that I can overcome challenges in unfamiliar environments and achieve anything I set my mind to. As a first-generation student, this journey isnt just a personal success; its a beacon for my family and a reminder to young women of color that hard work and determination lead to deserved triumphs.

紼勞梗棗眶25

Brian Garcia Hernandez

泭My graduate school journey at 91勛圖厙 was a memorable experience that ended up teaching me more about myself. I am truly grateful for the resources and support CU offered me, for I know I could not have reached this point alone. As a first-gen student from Yonkers, New York, I never imagined I would have the privilege of getting a masters degree in chemical engineering, let alone from CU. For my family and me, this degree represents making the impossible possible and marks the beginning of a new era in my life.

M唬堯梗鳥楚紳眶娶25

Gyslaine Kabisa

泭Graduating from graduate school represents ownership of my intellect, wisdom and the strength to know exactly where I belong.

紼唬啦嗨25

Hannah Kaiser

泭I come from a long line of public educators stretching back at least four generations. Joining their ranks fills me with a sense of possibility, responsibility and joy. I look forward to investing my life in the lives of my students and growing into an educator and person who will bring my community joy.

楚餃喝25
School of Education Outstanding Contribution to Teaching

Ashley Kim

泭My grandparents moved to the United States so that their descendants could have the opportunity to seek an education. I am proud to honor their hopes by earning this degree, and I am so thankful for the hard work that came before me that helped me get here.

楚餃喝25
School of Education Outstanding Contribution to Teaching

Ruby Laemmel

泭In the past year, I have grown tremendously, and I cannot thank the people closest to me enough for their endless love and support.

唬娶勳喧紼梗餃勳硃25
William W. White Outstanding Senior, Department of Critical Media Production

Alan Liu

泭Graduating from 91勛圖厙 means more than earning a degreeit's proof that hard work, resilience and community can turn dreams into reality. As a first-generation student, this moment represents the breaking of barriers and the beginning of new possibilities. I bought my first plane ticket ever in junior year and was so nervous, but now Im confidently solo traveling abroadan experience made possible by the opportunities and support 91勛圖厙 gave me.

泭紼域喧眶25
泭Outstanding Junior Student
泭Esports Athlete

Judy Talal Maaliki

泭Graduating from collegeand now graduate schoolmeans turning my parents unspoken dreams into reality. Its the long work hours, the dreams they put on hold for mine, and their quiet sacrifices finally being seenso I can carry their legacy forward in everything I do.

M詁喝莽插紳硃25

Sophia McKeown

When I reflect on what I will miss most about college, I cant help but think about the amazing relationships Ive built throughout my time here. I remember the first time meeting my new roommates...(and) how quickly I realized they would be forever friends of mine. I remember the first warm day in February, lying beside other students on the grassy lawns of campus and soaking up the sun while we were supposed to be in class. I remember my first time attending my professors office hours, nervously talking about my plans for after graduation. I remember that seemed so far away at the time. While many of these relationships are irreplaceable, I know I will carry these lessons in friendship into my post-grad life.

StratComm25
泭Editorial & Marketing Student Assistant, Office of Advancement

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Casey Middleton

泭Graduating from graduate school has taught me to be confident in the knowledge Ive gained, while remaining deeply curious about what lies beyond it. I now carry a toolbox of computational, biological and communication skills that empower me to make the world a healthier place through research.

捩堯嗨唬棗鳥梯釦釵勳25
2025 Three Minute Thesis Runner-Up; 2025 CompSci Departmental Outstanding Research Award; 2023 Outstanding Service to BioFrontiers Institute; 2022 CompSci Departmental Outstanding Research Award

Read 91勛圖厙 Middleton's ResearchMeet Casey Middleton

Enion Pelta

泭Though Im a lifelong musician with a fairly successful career and respect from colleagues...completing my degree in the Thompson Jazz Studies program means I feel a sense of greater legitimacy both in the performing world and the academic world. The two years Ive spent at CU have been wonderful in terms of learning new things from the amazing faculty, working with the terrific students, sharing my own knowledge and experience, and connecting with a beautiful musical community.

MMus楚餃喝25

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Iliana De La Rosa

泭For students who grew up similarly to me, earning a degree isnt just about completing school, its about uplifting the family that came before you and paving a path for those who come after you. It means becoming a connection for others in your community who might not have access to the same opportunities compared to kids in more privileged positions. It means defying the odds that were stacked against you. When I think about this degree, I think about the people who came before me who werent able to earn theirs, and this is for them. I think about my younger brother and cousins, and this is for them, too. This degree doesnt just belong to me. It belongs to my whole family and my community.

楚餃喝25
School of Education Outstanding Contribution to Community Engagement

Trang Chau Tran

泭I cherish the relationships nurtured and cultivated among educators, learners, partners, and with my friends, sister scholars, and mentors. I will keep drawing on how members of these communities show up for one another and support each other for collective growth, learning, and thriving. For the next chapter of my life, I will continue to recognize that learning is not merely the acquisition of knowledge, but an ongoing process of becoming. This philosophy has been inspired and embodied by my advisor, Dr. Joe Polman, whose pedagogy demonstrates that through affirmation of identities, we make space for individuals to grow, transform, and fully embrace who they are and who they are becoming.

PhD楚餃喝25
泭School of Education Outstanding Dissertation

What's next?

Deepali Agarwal

泭Leeds has been a transformational chapter in my journeynot just professionally but personally. Being involved in so many events, from organizing cultural celebrations to leading club initiatives, helped me find my voice and build my confidence...Leeds has taught me the value of hard work, resilience and, most importantly, how to recognize and own my potential. Through hands-on experiences, collaboration with brilliant peers and constant encouragement from faculty, Ive grown into someone whos not afraid to lead, take initiative and dream bigger.

MBA, M詁喝莽插紳硃25
Marketing Excellence Award of the Year

Cassidy Allen

泭Next, I will be joining the cardiac electrophysiology division at Abbott Laboratories as a software systems engineer. There, Ill be contributing to the research and development of cutting-edge cardiac ablation systems to treat various arrhythmias with combined radiofrequency ablation and pulsed field ablation techniques. My experience at 91勛圖厙 and the College of Engineering and Applied Science prepared me incredibly well for this opportunity. Through hands-on research and course projects, I developed practical and problem-solving skills that I feel confident bringing into this next chapter.

詁勳棗紼梗餃楚紳眶娶25
泭Research Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

Cora Becker

泭My time at CU has taught me the importance of integrity, perseverance and making lasting connections with both peers and faculty. I could not have accomplished my goals without the support of my friends, family and faculty in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and I will carry forward what I have learned past my four years here.

唬堯梗鳥楚紳眶娶25
Research Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science; Outstanding Course Assistant Award, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

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Anna Bedell

泭After graduation, I'll be working at IBM in Austin, Texas. It's from the help of my Leeds mentor, Lisa Williams; the Leeds Career Development Office; and all the other support I've received throughout my time here at CU that's brought me to this point!

紼域喧眶25
Leeds Ambassador and Marketing Writer

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Shama Bhargav

泭After finishing both my undergraduate and masters degrees at CU in just four years, Im so excited to be heading to Deloitte full time. My time at CU pushed me to grow in ways I never expected. Between the fast-paced classes, the projects and the diverse variety of communities I was a part of, I learned how to stay adaptable, think on my feet and believe in my own voice. Be intentional with your time here, stay curious and dont be afraid to ask for helpbecause thats what made all the difference for me and helped me feel truly ready for this next chapter.

M詁喝莽插紳硃25

Shannon Blanco

泭After graduating this spring, I will be continuing at 91勛圖厙 to pursue my masters in mechanical engineering through the BAM program. In the future, I hope to work in medical device design or prosthetics. 91勛圖厙 has helped prepare me beyond an educational standpoint by providing opportunities to get involved outside of class and make valuable connections.

MechEngr, 詁勳棗紼梗餃楚紳眶娶25
Research Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

Kelly Bondurant

泭After graduation, Im heading into a full-time role at JP Morgan in the finance industry. CU and the Leeds School of Business gave me the space to explore what I was passionate about and the support to turn that into something real. I found mentors who believed in me, classmates who pushed me and opportunities that helped me grow in ways I didnt expect. Leeds helped me find my path. Im walking away with more than a degree. Im leaving with the confidence and clarity to take on whats next.

Acct, Fin25
2025 Finance Division Outstanding Student Award
Coordinator, Global Studies Residential Academic Program; Treasurer, CU Gymnastics Club

Brian Casey

泭My experiences at CU have provided me with specific training both in education and my field of music that I use daily in my career as a college professor. The Graduate Teacher Program has been particularly informative and I use skills and techniques gained from those experiences regularly; my graduate education in both jazz studies and historical musicology uniquely positions me as a specialist in academic jazz.

捩堯嗨紼喝莽25
泭2024 Jazz Education Network President's Service Award; 2025 University of Northern Colorado PVA College Scholar
泭Associate Professor of Academic Jazz and Associate Director of Jazz Studies, University of Northern Colorado

Aaron Kai Groudan

泭The next steps in my career involve me coming back to 91勛圖厙 for a master's degree through the Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's Program. This college and university has helped me prepare for this degree with invigorating and engaging classes that made me want a higher education at this campus.

紼梗釵堯楚紳眶娶25
泭Community Impact Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

Aoife Henry

泭Im heading back to the Bay Area for a fellowship in the Stanford Sustainability Accelerator to start a company commercializing research I developed at 91勛圖厙. I was blown away over the past year Ive been interacting with the deep tech commercialization people at CUthey are people who will try their best to lift you and your technology up. They really make you feel as though you are part of the startup ecosystem family they have been cultivating for years. They gave me the confidence to be an entrepreneur. Also, the ties that CU has with national labs and the brilliant folks who work there, such as NREL, which provides my funding, have given me invaluable opportunities to work with experts in the field, where there is a culture of collaboration and supporting the work of graduate students early in their career.

泭PhDElEngr25
泭Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator Fellowship; Winner, 91勛圖厙 3MT Competition; Stanford Sustainability Accelerator Fellowship

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Julia Keefe

泭After graduation, I am looking to continue working in the field of cancer research and technologies with a focus on women's health. The College of Engineering and Applied Science helped me prepare by allowing me to explore so many different areas of engineering to truly find where my passions lie.

詁勳棗紼梗餃楚紳眶娶25
Research Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

David LaPaglia

泭The information science department ignited a passion within me to discover the truth around usa curiosity I will carry into my future.

梆紳款棗釦釵勳25
William W. White Outstanding Senior, Department of Information Science

Andrew McCoy

泭I'm going to continue my research in air quality, while looking for a full time job. 91勛圖厙 helped me prepare by providing resources that allowed me to open doors and opportunities.

紼梗釵堯楚紳眶娶25
Culture Impact Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

Sophie Nied

泭After graduation, I am working as a medical assistant while applying to medical school! CU provided me with the support and opportunities to explore my academic interests in depth, which gave me the courage to pursue a challenging career in medicine. Through undergraduate research and getting hands-on experience in a lab, as well as continued support from my STEM and non-STEM professors, I was able to find my passion and excel in my areas of interest. Their mentorship was vital in shaping not only my academic growth but also my personal belief in what I could achieve.

IntPhys,釦棗釵25
泭Herd Leadership Council President; Student Ambassador

Ashutosh Pandey

泭91勛圖厙 empowered me to bridge the gap between engineering and leadership. From managing a CubeSat mission to representing graduate voices as executive president of administration in the Graduate and Professional Student Government, my experience here shaped me into a mission-driven leader ready to create impact at scale.

紼楚紳眶娶紼眶鳥喧25
Program Manager, MAXWELL CubeSat Mission, University Nanosatellite Program; Executive President of Administration, Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG)

Beatriz Salazar

泭Through CU Engage and my work with (my advisor) Ben Kirshner, I learned how to use my skills as a researcher to improve the lives of my communityto tell our stories on our terms and with our voices. I hope to never forget the impact I can have by working with my community. After all, as a public institution, I believe we have a responsibility to serve the public, to improve the lives of those around us and to make research legible to our community.

PhD楚餃喝25
School of Education Outstanding Community Engagement Award

Creighton Tisdale

泭I came to 91勛圖厙 hoping I could work my way toward designing and improving surgical and medical devicesmy undergraduate experience prepared me more than I would've ever imagined. I was lucky enough to work on a senior design project fully focused on electrosurgery and device design, as well as gaining experience with unorthodox diagnostic techniques in my research. The College of Engineering and Applied Science and the biomedical engineering program allowed me to find the career direction I was seeking from the start by giving me loads of hands-on academic and professional exposure.

詁勳棗紼梗餃楚紳眶娶25
Academic Engagement Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

Natalie Trejo

泭Im excited to be starting a role as a sales manager with the Flute Center of New York after graduating, where Ill get to combine my passion for flute with leadership and sales. My experience as a graduate teaching assistant and the support from 91勛圖厙 and Professor Jennings, who encouraged me to lead with authenticity, gave me the confidence to step into this next chapter.

紼紼喝莽25
Graduate Teaching Assistant

Pria Zaveri

泭CU is a symbol of the West, a force of nature that has transformed my perspective on technology, innovation and globalization; I am leaving with a deeper sense of who I am. As I move forward, I will never stop learning and will rise to meet the challenges of an unforeseeable futureguided by the power of our stories to lead with purpose, give back meaningfully, and live with passion.

詁喝莽25
Leeds Scholars Fund; Communication Strategy First Place

Your best piece of advice

Boston Abrams

泭My best advice is to get involved. You get to have a period of your life where your main responsibility in life can be learning. This is a great privilege, so make sure you use it. Get involved in clubs and research. This is how you can stand out and build the connections you will need later to get jobs. Don't worry if you don't click with the first project you trytake the time to find a project you love.

紼梗釵堯楚紳眶娶25
Academic Engagement Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science泭

Nathrine Mensah Afrifa

泭You are the only one who knows how much your goals mean to you. Keep believing in yourself, and take steps to achieve your goals regardless of what people say or what the norm is刖o break invisible ceilings and limitations.

紼釦喝梯唬堯紳紼眶鳥喧25

Paulina Apanel

泭Prioritize your own growth and avoid getting distracted by comparisons. College looks different for everyone, and its important to recognize what works best for you. Advocate for yourself, believe in your potential and understand that setbacks are part of the process. Success isnt always linearstay open to learning and adapting along the way.

唬堯梗鳥楚紳眶娶25
泭Clough-Weimer Most Improved Student Award, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Danielle Beatty

泭Your PhD (or MS) is not the best thing you'll ever do, and it is not supposed to be. Do good work, but get inlearnand get out/move on to your next big thing.

PhDMatSci25
泭National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship; University of Colorado Deans Graduate Innovation Assistantship

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Anna Broerman

泭I would not have been able to engage so deeply in this community without my mentors' encouragement. There are students and faculty in this department who want to contribute to the scientific community and, by extension, invest in your success. My advice is to seek them out, ask questions and approach every interaction with humility and curiosity. If you do, you will find this community has much to offer and you have something valuable to contribute to it, as well.

唬堯梗鳥詁勳棗楚紳眶娶25
Research Award and Academic Engagement Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science; Outstanding Course Assistant Award, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

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Hale Burke

泭Get involved on campus and don't be afraid to reach out for help or advice! Consider every opportunity that comes your wayyou'll never know what you'll learn or what connections you'll make. Professors and upperclassmen are almost always happy to help you out, just take the opportunity to ask!

紼梗釵堯楚紳眶娶25
Community Impact Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

Claire Heikkila Ely

泭Get involved and treat every year like your freshman year. Talk to new people, make connections, join clubs and intramurals, and stay excited! CU offers an overwhelming amount of opportunity that will help you grow personally, academically and professionally.

唬堯梗鳥楚紳眶娶25
Research Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science; Silver Medal Award, Colorado Engineering Council; Outstanding Senior Award, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

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Sylvester Francis

泭Dont be afraid to ask dumb questions; most breakthroughs start with curiosity and the courage to admit what you dont know. Embrace failure, seek feedback and remember: Real growth happens outside your comfort zone.

M紼梗釵堯楚紳眶娶25

Nina Fromartz

泭Do what you love, and good things will come. Theres nothing more meaningful than having fun doing what you love. Also, college is the best time to learn from mistakes. Its OK to not be perfect. At the end of your college career, your GPA doesnt matter nearly as much as the experiences you had, the memories you made and who you shared them with.

唬勳措楚紳眶娶25
Global Engagement Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

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Harrison William Gannon

泭My advice is to be an active listener who seeks to understand others without judgment. Approach every interaction with kindness, joy and a genuine interest in other people's lives. The way you treat others defines a meaningful life, and building compassionate relationships creates a powerful legacy.

紼梗釵堯楚紳眶娶25
Global Engagement Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

Anne Watts Gentry

泭Your coursework matters, but so does your mental and physical well-being! Its amazing what a 15-minute walk outside can do to reset your mind, especially in a place like Boulder, where nature is so accessible. Make time to ground yourself, as it will help you show up better for everything and everyone else.

紼詁插25
Graduate Newsletter Assistant, Office of Faculty Affairs; MBAA VP of Community Outreach; Co-president of MBA Women In Business; Co-president of MBA Natural and Organics Club

Nathan George

泭Always take advantage of any opportunity you can. There are so many experiences available at CU, and you never know what doors will open as a result!

Mus楚餃喝25
George Lynn Memorial Award, Chancellor's Recognition Award

Celeste Guiles

泭Push forward, make friends, try to go to many conferences, take advantage of opportunities and have fun! Meeting other students at conferences is motivating and can help you remember you are not alone in the graduate school struggle.

捩堯嗨插梗娶棗楚紳眶娶25

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Golda Harris

泭It may sound clich矇, but you really do miss 100% of the opportunities you dont take. 91勛圖厙more specifically, the CU Teach programhas provided me with more opportunities than I ever could have imagined. If I hadnt listened to the people who believed in me and encouraged me to take chances, I wouldnt be in the position Im in today. One of the most important lessons Ive learned here is that people truly want to help you succeedyou just have to be open to letting them.

泭楚餃喝25
泭School of Education Outstanding Contribution to Teaching

Devon Hedrick-Shaw

泭My biggest piece of advice for new PhD students is to make the experience your own. CU has so many incredible faculty and learning opportunities at the PhD level, but it is important to trust your gut and invest in the opportunities and relationships that will help you accomplish your goals for the degree. Alongside that, it's important to be open to new ideas and areas of study you might not have expected. Some of my most important learning experiences throughout the program resulted from working with an expansive group of colleagues and across program areas that were not part of my plans when first admitted to the program.

PhD楚餃喝25
School of Education Outstanding Teaching

Andrew Johnson

泭Dont be afraid to fail. Try new things and put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Its OK to failyoull grow and become better for it.

釦喧娶硃喧唬棗鳥鳥25
William W. White Outstanding Senior, Department of Advertising, Public Relations and Media Design

Breier Jorgensen

泭Practice saying yes to as much as you can handle because you won't regret the memories you make, the friends you meet and the pictures you take. It is certainly easier to learn to say no after all the clubs you got involved in, the new foods you tried, the places you travel and the classes you TA for. Your college time is what you make of it; one of my favorite times of my life was studying abroad because I was not afraid of saying yes.

OpsMgmt, 詁喝莽插紳硃25
Henny Reinhardtsen Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Operations Division Outstanding Student Award; Academic Achievement Award泭

Yarden Kelmann

泭Explore courses outside of your focus area that interest you because you might not have another opportunity to formally learn an exciting topic from incredible professors in the field. I've always wanted to learn Arabic and mountain meteorology, so I'm grateful that I branched out and added them to my schedule!

紼插梗娶棗楚紳眶25

Kangmin Kim

泭Life will give you setbacks, but you can choose how to respond to them. Sometimes, your emotions can get the best of you, so cry it out until you feel tired of crying and slowly heal with the help of your support system, friends, family or use CAPS on campus.

唬堯梗鳥楚紳眶娶25
Distinguished Peer Mentor Award, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Frank Lynch

泭Set ambitious goals, and wake up every day with a plan to achieve them.

Acct, Fin24; MAcct25

Dana Majer

泭Discover what excites you and explore it wholeheartedly. When you engage in what brings you joy and meaning, you naturally build a community that inspires and supports you. Before you know it, you will be graduating from this program, grateful that you chased your passions and have a whole community there to support you.

插娶釵堯楚紳眶娶25
Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering; Community Impact Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

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Julian Stenzel Martins

泭When people say, You are your own worst critic, they're really not kidding. Don't allow your inner doubt to paralyze you from moving your ideas and projects forward. What you do in your time here will not be the best thing you do in your life, and it's not supposed to be. Just show that you can take something from start to finish, learn from your inevitable mistakes and disappointments along the way, and keep moving.

M楚餃喝25
School of Education Outstanding Master's Graduate: Contribution to Community Engagement

Delaney McNally

泭Classes are important, but make sure to prioritize down time and time with your friends. You will remember time with your friends more than any homework assignment or exam.

唬堯梗鳥詁勳棗楚紳眶娶25
Research Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science; Outstanding Senior Award, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

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Joanna Mendy

泭Be brave! Sometimes you can feel out of place, but this campus is so full of opportunities. Join a club, explore research opportunities, and connect with people you find interesting. It might open up a world of possibilities, so do it scared!

M梆紳款棗釦釵勳25
Education Diversity Scholars Program Coordinator

Angela Mink

泭My advice to future students in research is to recognize the power they hold. Every individual contribution strengthens the collective effort to achieve greatness. You have the power to change lives, so use that potential to build a career and a life you're proud of.

泭唬勳措楚紳眶娶25
泭Research Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

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Lindsey O'Brien

泭You dont need to know exactly where youre going yet. What matters most is caring about what youre doing and who you're doing it with.

Mgmt, PolSci25

Juliana Olsen-Valdez

泭An education is most powerful when it's holistic. Push yourself to connect ideas across disciplines, and remember that contributing to your community can be just as important as your academics!

捩堯嗨勞梗棗梭25

Tanvi Patil

泭Explore anything and everything! Spend time outside on nice days, get involved in campus activities and embrace life at CU beyond the classroom. Regardless of your interests, try something new, academically or otherwise, to make the most out of college. Worst case, you'll discover something you don't like!

唬堯梗鳥詁勳棗楚紳眶娶25
Research Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science; Distinguished Peer Mentor Award, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

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Abirame Periyasamy

泭Say yes to things that scare you a littleyou grow most outside your comfort zone.

紼詁插25
泭Alumni and Networking Chair

Roan Plinke

泭Learn to find fun in everything you do. School can feel like a battle if youre stuck in the wrong mindsetbut it doesnt have to. Youll succeed more easily if you try to enjoy the process, the work and the learning along the way.

唬堯梗鳥楚紳眶娶25
Outstanding Sophomore Award, Deptartment of Chemical and Biological Engineering

Aaditya Pore

泭Your legacy will be defined more by what you help others accomplish, rather than what you solely achieve. Always invite opportunities to be the flame that lights a peer's candle, reaching out to provide guidance, mentorship, support and camaraderie.

AeroEngr, CompSci25
; Graduating Leader of the Year
President, Senior Class Council

Summit Shrestha

泭Don't be afraid to ask questions. The material you are learning is difficult, and not understanding it is only natural. Asking for help is the fastest way to grow.

唬堯梗鳥楚紳眶娶25
Academic Engagement Award and Research Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

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Renner Skidmore

泭My main piece of advice is to be curious. There are so many ways to make a difference. Every class is an opportunity to learn more tools that can be used to improve your life, your community and our world. There is no better time to equip yourself with a foundation of values and skills that will help you build a career that solves the biggest issues facing our modern world. So go be curious, ask the hard questions, understand as many perspectives as you can and do your research.

紼眶鳥喧25
Leeds Undergraduate Impact Award; Henny Reinhardtsen Organizational Leadership and Information Analytics Division Outstanding Student Award
Board Chair, Sustainable Business Club; Undergraduate Representative, CESR Advisory Board

Airyl Van Dayrit

泭In a place as vast as Boulder, dont just search for where you belong but try and create that space and invite others into it. Help those who feel lost and offer them the safety and support you once needed. And when youre tired, remember you are human, too. Be open to help, just as you strive to uplift others. You are not alone. Your presence is powerful. Let it silence your doubts. And above all, do what makes you happy and dont let anyone tell you otherwise.

紼梗釵堯楚紳眶娶25
Community Impact Award; Perseverance Award; Culture Impact Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

Macy Will

泭Say yes to working with new people; say yes to trying out a project; say yes to helping professors; and say yes to trying out clubs! These experiences will shape your journey at 91勛圖厙, help you figure out your career path and provide some of your favorite memories of your time here.

插娶釵堯楚紳眶娶25
泭Academic Engagement Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

Marwa Yacouti

泭Lean into what makes you different, stay relentlessly curious, and dont wait to feel ready, just begin! Most of the time, its the courage to start that opens the door to everything else.

捩堯嗨插梗娶棗楚紳眶娶25
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) finalist; Caltech Trailblazing Young Researcher Award; Rising Star in Computational Mechanics and Data Science; IEEE Women in Services Computing Award

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McKenna Yates

泭Many opportunities will come and go throughout college, and I encourage others to step a little bit outside of their comfort zone in order to pursue them. Whether it's a job you don't think you're qualified enough for or a new club that covers topics you know nothing about, college is the time to be bold and try new things. From there, doors can open, and your path could change in ways you never thought possible. Even if it doesn't work out the way you thought it might, there is always the possibility of a good experience coming out of it. So, join that club, talk to that stranger, apply to that job and see what happens!

CritMediaSt, Soc25
Outstanding Graduating Senior, University Libraries

Fishion Yohannes

泭My best advice for current students and future students has to be to know that you belong. Engineering is challenging, but you are not alone. Seek out mentors, seek community and, most importantly, seek help. Its OK not to know everything. Imposter syndrome is very real, but please remember that your perspective and contributions are beyond valuable. Your journey will have obstacles, but perseverance, resilience and a strong support system will guide you. More than anything, never let self-doubt dictate your potential because you are capable, you are worthy, and you have the power to make a difference.

詁勳棗紼梗餃楚紳眶娶25
Community Engagement Award, College of Engineering and Applied Science

Rachel Zing

泭College is a great time to figure out what you like, both academically and in extracurriculars. Theres no shame in trying a bunch of different things until you find what actually brings you joy.

紼梗餃勳硃釦喧25
William W. White Outstanding Senior, Department of Media Studies