As I advanced to harder classes, I realized how invested my teachers were in my personal success. They would personally reach out to their students, initiate conversations to get to know them, and all around create a welcoming environment that emphasizes student success, which may look different for different people. Overall, I was taught by teachers who were passionate about teaching and about their fields of study, making classes so enjoyable, and easy to absorb material. I think back to Professor Dove’s detailed discussions dissecting Borges’s short stories, or Professor Myers taking us to the Lilly Library to see real pieces from Franco’s time, or even Professor Del Carpio’s photographs from her trips, teaching us about linguistic landscapes. Everyone put in time and effort to create curriculums that would reach their students.

As the year came to a close, I was chosen by the Department of Spanish and Portuguese to deliver an address to my classmates during our department graduation ceremony. As I was deciding what to talk about, there was one thing that would not leave my mind. In the months prior, we had been seeing the world’s response to the atrocities happening in Palestine, an extension of the years of war and displacement that had been occurring in the country. As a Muslim, and more importantly, as a human, I could not let this opportunity go by without raising awareness for this genocide. I did not know how my peers and the department administration would respond. This was a gamble for the sake of humanity. Low and behold, as my voice started breaking during my speech, Professor Myers approached the podium. For a second, I was afraid she was going to tell me to step back and sit down. Instead, her comforting hand landed on my shoulder, urging me to continue. She supported me as I struggled to keep my composure and finish my speech. As I finished, the crowd applauded, Professor Félix-Brasdefer shook my hand. These are the people that will help enact change in the world. My professors have exemplified unwavering support for me, and created memories that will stick with me for the rest of my life. In times of need and injustice, I have learned that they are amazing people to go to for support. I thank each and every one of them for their exemplary characters that will stick with me for the rest of my life. Now that I have graduated, I am taking a year off in order to prepare for medical school. I’m currently working as an EMT with my local hospital, and exploring interests such as jewelry making and triathlon training!