Congratulations RRS Class of 2021
Race & Resistance Majors
Me gustaría agradecer a mi familia, amigos y a todas las personas que me han ayudado en esta camino.
¡Los aprecio y los amo a todos!
— Aldo Pizano
Summa Cum Laude
Double Major: RRS & Psychology
Minor: Criminal Justice
A sincere thank you to my village.
To my family, my loved ones and all educators: eternal gratitude and thanks for watering me and pushing me onward. You always reminded me I’m capable of my wildest dreams. I will carry your love in my heart always. May we continue to shape a world rooted in community and compassion.
— Janine Padpad
Summa Cum Laude
Double Major: RRS & Psychology
Minor: Global Peace, Humans Rights, and Justice
I am so grateful to have graduated within the RRS Major in the College of Ethnic Studies because I found a community that I belong to with very similar passions and drives which works towards liberating oppressed people or changing the way the world works currently.
I’m honored to have received the award for the hood as well!! I couldn’t have been here without my family, friends, and professors. I had a huge support system behind me pushing me to do my best. Every professor in this department is so so amazing; those who impacted me the most were professors Larry Salomon and Rama Kased! They taught me so much and believed in me my whole time at State. I also want to thank my family who inspired me in every way from coming to this country, to organizing for social justice/change, to being an artist, and many more. I love you guys!! Thank you again and congratulations graduates!!
— Eliana Hernandez
Cum Laude
Double Major: RRS & Criminal Justice
Minor: Queer Ethnic Studies
My gratitude for the RRS department, my professors, and my classmates is truly immeasurable.
Thank you all so much, and thank you to each of my closest loved ones for all of your support. Although I am so relieved and happy to be graduating, I know that I will also be grieving the version of myself that existed as an undergraduate student of RRS at SFSU. I am committed to continuing my learning beyond the classroom and to apply all of the knowledge that has been shared with me over the last few years. Thank you all again, I feel so grateful to be here with you.
— Hannah Lomax
Cum Laude
Major: RRS
Minor: Queer Ethnic Studies
Serve the people!
— Kristal Osorio
Cum Laude
Double Major: RRS & Sociology
I would first like to thank my parents and family for being my number one supporters.
I would also like to thank my amazing RRS professors at SF State because their teaching has made the biggest impact on my life. I feel so blessed to be a part of the second graduating class of the RRS major.
— Alicia Manzano
Double Major: RRS & Latina and Latino Studies
I want to congratulate my fellow cohort and the many colleagues I had the opportunity to work with.
I’m grateful for this moment; it feels so surreal that I’m graduating, and that I made it. I would like to thank all the professors who I’ve experienced an amount of knowledge and growth by learning from and with them, especially would like to thank Bibiana, Professor Jaimy, and Justin for a lot of guidance. I’m definitely looking forward to what’s ahead of me, and I hope to continue doing the work of giving back to the community. A lot of what I do is for my family and my family back in the Philippines. I thank them infinitely for all their love and support.
— Althea-Marin Santos
Double Major: RRS & Visual Communication Design
She Believed She Could and So She Did!
Thank you to my family and friends for being the most amazing support system a girl can ask. Thanks to RRS for making these 4 years in San Francisco amazing. I appreciate all the courses I took and all the Professor who taught them <3 mucho amor Larry.
— Alondra Esquivel Garcia
Double Major: RRS & Political Science
First gen student, and I dedicate my degree to community.
I would not be here without community. Thank you to everyone who believed in me.
— Arasi Hamilton
Major: RRS
Minor: Critical Pacific Islands and Oceania Studies
I am excited and grateful to have graduated from RRS.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported me through college and the class faculty who made each class different, interesting, and a place where I felt comfortable. Congrats to the second RRS graduating class! Si se Puedo!
— Melissa Garay Galindo
Double Major: RRS & Sociology
My entire educational journey has been me looking for spaces that recognized my community in its curriculum and staff and knowledge, where I could be myself.
I found that here in Race and Resistance. Class of 2021, we did it!
— Tailua Manu
Major: RRS
Minor: Critical Pacific Island and Oceania Studies
This journey was long and anything but easy, but the joy and pride I have created not only for myself, but for my future made all these challenges, tears, and long hours worth all the risk.
I never thought I would make it to this day, yet here I am.
— TaraLynn Ta’ala
Major: RRS
I’m so happy to be graduating!
As a first generation college student, it was very challenging, but with the support of my family, I was able to accomplish my goals. San Francisco State University has taught me some amazing things that I will cherish forever. I’m excited to enter the “real world” and make a difference. My degree is in honor of my mother and grandparents. Los Amo.
— Yoselin Rodriguez
Double Major: RRS & Criminal Justice
We’d also like to honor the following RRS Majors
- Diego Bautista
- Stephanie Gonzalez
- Marilyn Mota
Race & Resistance Minors
I am very proud to be the first graduate ever in my family, especially coming from a household that was not able to provide for me financially.
I put myself and education first and made it. I am honored to be the first in my family to attend and graduate as the Class of 2021.
— Ai Fry
Major: Psychology
Double Minor: RRS & Queer Ethnic Studies
So unbelievably grateful for my last four years at SFSU!
— Amanda Rukasin
Major: Sociology
Minor: RRS
I am so excited to graduate.
The journey here has not been easy and nothing like I expected, but I’m excited for the next chapter of my life. I take all the relationships I’ve built, the knowledge I have gained, and the experience of being a first-gen with me. Grateful for how far I’ve come and excited to see what the future holds for me!
— Athziri Martinez
Major: Latina/Latino Studies
Minor: RRS
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” — Pele
— Angela Rodas
Major: Political Science
Minor: RRS
Our existence and success in higher education is the most beautiful form of resistance.
We are the flowers they never thought would blossom. Gracias mama y papa… no me gradue, nos graduamos.
— Baleria Barrera
Double Major: Sociology & Latina/Latino Studies
Minor: Education & RRS
— Bryanna Zuleta
Major: Sociology & Latina/Latino Studies
Minor: RRS
While I am anxious to be graduating during such an unsure time, I am excited to enter the career and “real adult” world!
I sincerely congratulate my fellow graduates for getting through this past year and a half!
— Caity Rymel
Major: Anthropology
Minor: RRS
As a first generation student, graduating is both a personal accomplishment and an accomplishment for my community who has supported me.
I want to become a pillar of knowledge and resources to build community ties and support them by any means. I plan to incorporate my knowledge into my life and work be becoming a resource for me community through librarianship. Thank you to all my professors, friends, and family for supporting me!
— Cecilia Castaneda
Major: Latina/Latino Studies
Minor: RRS
Graduating not only for myself, but for those who came before me, those with me now, and those that will come after me.
— Erica Vasquez
Major: Psychology
Minor: RRS
Gracias a mis Padres por su esfuerzo, amor, y disciplina.
LO LOGRAMOS! Los quiero mucho! Aqui empezamos una nueva etapa. A seguir triunfando.
— Fatima Gutierrez
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: RRS
As a Muslim and a woman of color, I’m proud to have learned how I can put my passion for social justice work and filmmaking into what I hope will become the foundation of my career in the future.
I’m blessed to have met many incredible people during my two years at SFSU and know those connections will last a lifetime!
— Honna Afzal
Major: Cinema
Minor: RRS
I want to analyze the historical past and decolonize the concepts and philosophies of present day Black communities.
I don’t only want to examine the problems and trauma of past generations with criticism, but I want to move forward with strategies and find amicable solutions to the issues.
— Jemal Taylor
Major: Sociology
Minor: RRS
This has been a wonderful crazy journey.
This is not how I expected it to turn out, but I am glad I made it to the finish line. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way. If it weren’t for you all I would not be here today. To my fellow grads, we did it!!!!
— Jontae Henry
Major: Communications
Minor: RRS
It’s a bittersweet ending.
I’m excited to have accomplished my studies but sad to say goodbye to the friends I made.
— Katherine Burgos
Major: Photojournalism
Minor: RRS
I would like to thank my amazing family and friends for all their love and support!
To all my fellow graduates, congratulations!
— Kaylee Bokeh
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: RRS
Thank you RRS department for filling my undergraduate years with transformational and healing lessons along with an extremely support community.
Thank you to my ancestors, family, friends, and loved ones for guiding and supporting me through these past 4 years. Shoutout to my city, SF, for raising me into the person I am today. I am so excited to continue to learn in the Ethnic Studies M.A. program at SFSU!
— Kaylah Breiz
Major: Political Science
Double Minor: Education & RRS
Through adversity, I was able to complete my education.
I would like to thank my mother and father for all the support and love they have given me throughout these 4 years.
— Laurin Lovato Romero
Double Minor: Latina/Latino Studies & RRS
These past 4 years at SFSU were some of the best years of my life!
I met so many amazing people and learned so much! I want to specifically thank all my RRS professors for all the support and for all the knowledge they bring to the table, so thank you! I’m excited to be graduating with all of you today and I wish you all the best!
— Maria Guadalupe Hernandez Morales
Major: Criminal Justice Studies
Minor: RRS
I am so happy to finally be graduating from SFSU!
After taking a two-year break, coming back to finish my undergraduate degree feels amazing. I never would have gotten this far if it wasn’t for my family, mental health support team, friends, and God. I am extremely grateful and honored to be graduating from the College of Ethnic Studies!
— Melchor Bongato
Major: Asian American Studies
Double Minor: RRS & Queer Ethnic Studies
I am thankful for my time at SF State and excited for my new journey ahead.
Thank you to my family and friends for their continuous support!
— Mariela Cisneros
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: RRS
I’d like to thank my parents for their unconditional support throughout my educational journey and their encouragement for me to pursue my passions.
I would also like to thank the Residential Life department, as well as Health Promotion and Wellness for the opportunity to expand my leadership abilities across campus.
— Mina Hernandez
Major: Sociology
Minor: RRS
Dear children of immigrants, it may feel like you were born into a game of life where you were born into a game of life, where you’re expected to reach certain milestones and goals in a particular order to be happy, successful, and worthy.
I am proud to say that I broke generational cycles and graduated college with a boyfriends, a beautiful baby girl, and a family, still being prouder than ever!
— Natalie Herrera
Major: Criminal Justice Studies
Minor: RRS
I would like to thank my family, friends and professors for making this a memorable experience!
— Raquel Aceves
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: RRS
If there’s anything that RRS has taught me, it is to continue to study our history from the people by the people.
As young individuals coming out of an institution with rich revolutionary history with our student activism, we must continue to work beyond academics!
— Nickel Rivera
Major: Cinema
Minor: RRS
I am a mixed heritage Asian American, first generation college student, child of a refugee parent.
RRS provided me the tools, space, and community to further radicalize my politic and be grounded in third world liberation. I met my chosen family and forever companions in these classes. I’d like to express my immense gratitude to Simmy Makhijani for mentoring me and reminding me of the magic of community care throughout my last three years at SF State!
— Amy Ricky Rivera
Major: Asian American Studies
Minor: RRS
RRS provided me with the necessary tools and lessons for a lifelong dedication to the people’s movement for freedom and justice.
Could not have done it without the support of an incredible community too many to count, but especially Simmy Makhijani who provided mentorship and guidance to myself and so many others. LONG LIVE PALESTINE, LONG LIVE INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY!
— Jules Retzlaff
Major: Cinema
Minor: RRS
It’s been quite a ride.
Too many sleepless nights to count, but even more memories to recall later in life. I’m sad that my college journey ended this way — in a pandemic — but, like the great Max Holloway once said: it is what it is! Congratulations everyone. Let’s go kill it out there!!!
— Sadik Twal
Major: Liberal Studies
Minor: RRS
Graduating during a global pandemic is strange and a bit anticlimactic but the closer it gets to May 21st, the more real it becomes.
Nonetheless, I am proud, and feeling extremely accomplished. I’m grateful to have had this opportunity at SFSU, and I will really miss my time in SF. I’m also very appreciative of those around me who have been there to remind what an accomplishment it is to be the first to graduate from my family.
— Shantel U
Major: Psychology
Minor: RRS
Big shout out to my dad, I miss you. Couldn’t do this without you.
— Shawnee Sample
Major: American Indian Studies
Double Minor: RRS & Queer Ethnic Studies
Thank you to my family, friends, the School of Cinema, the College of Ethnic Studies, the College of Liberal & Creative Arts, and my incredible mentors for all of their guidance and support.
Without you all, I would not be able to graduate with all of the empowering opportunities I have been able to experience.
— Wencie Hoang
Major: Cinema
Minor: RRS
We’d also like to honor the following RRS Minors
- Adalia Rodriguez
- Alauna Jaden Torres
- Aliyah Bowman
- Alyssa Sober
- Andrea Olazabal
- Andrew Carillo
- Christopher Vanegas Aguilar
- Emily Uribe
- Erika Ramirez
- Hector Chacon Arevalo
- Jalyn Casey Ocampo
- Janneth Gasca-Lozano
- Johnny Mejia
- Makaela Mabrey
- Melissa Aceves-Yepez
- Monica Rodriguez
- Nadime El-Ali
- Olivia Zamorano-Pedregom
- Rizza Ward Gordon
- Sydni Mullen
- Taylor Thomas
- Yvonne Cantero
Arab & Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas Minor
“I want to thank me for believing in me, I want to thank me for doing all this hard work. I wanna thank me for having no days off. I wanna thank me for never quitting. I wanna thank me for always being a giver and trying to give more than I receive. I want to thank me for just being me at all times.” —Snoop Dog
— Janelle Coronado
Major: International Relations
Minor: AMED
Queer Ethnic Studies Minor
As I am entering into the last semester for the B.A./M.A. program in Ethnic Studies, I hope to embody the love that has been imparted to me through this program.
— Amalia Laventure
Major: Latina/Latino Studies
Minor: QES
It’s unbelievable that I’m already graduating because it feels like I just started my B.A. program.
I wouldn’t have this opportunity without my maternal grandparents because they offered me a place to stay, making going to SFSU affordable for me. I also thank many of my advisors and close family (and friends) for sticking with me on this journey. Without everyone’s words of encouragement, I wouldn’t have made it this far. So, THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!
— Briauna Guerrero
Major: Sociology
Double Minor: QES & LGBT Studies
I want to thank Mikaela, Charlize, Lucy, Zack Snyder, and all the people who helped me get here!
— Elia Wee
Major: Child and Adolescence Development
Minor: QES
My gratitude for the RRS department, my professors, and my classmates is truly immeasurable.
Thank you all so much, and thank you to each of my closest loved ones for all of your support. Although I am so relieved and happy to be graduating, I know that I will also be grieving the version of myself that existed as an undergraduate student of RRS at SFSU. I am committed to continuing my learning beyond the classroom and to apply all of the knowledge that has been shared with me over the last few years. Thank you all again, I feel so grateful to be here with you.
— Hannah Lomax
Cum Laude
Major: RRS
Minor: Queer Ethnic Studies
I had a short but sweet time here at SFSU. I am grateful for my experience and am excited for the future!
— Mari Champagne
Major: Women & Gender Studies
Double Minor: Global Peace, Human Rights, and Justice & QES
I want to thank my parents that were there for me every step of the way, and for all the sacrifices they have made.
I want to thank my older sister that has paved the way for success for my younger brother, sister, and I. I want to thank Clinica Martin Baro for being a safe space and a family.
— Veronica Hernandez
Major: Latina/Latino Studies
Triple Minor: Health Education, QES, Education
We’d also like to honor the following QES Minors
- Adali Rodriguez
- Aliyah Bowman
- Chris Lawson
- Diego Bautista
- Grace Mcguire
- Hillary Ortiz-Luis
- Jerome-Tomas San Diego
Critical Pacific Islands and Oceania Studies Minor
First gen student, and I dedicate my degree to community.
I would not be here without community. Thank you to everyone who believed in me.
— Arasi Hamilton
Major: RRS
Minor: Critical Pacific Islands and Oceania Studies
Grateful for the Ethnic Studies program that allowed me to learn more about my culture and my people.
Excited to use this knowledge and these tools to better my communities. Thank you, SFSU, for all the great experiences. I look forward to what the future has in store for me!
— Cassandra Fong
Major: Biology
Minor: CPIOS
WE DID IT!
Class of 2021 we are a force to be reckoned with! Do yourself a favor and enjoy the journey even through the chaos, you’ll find out at the end of the tunnel, it was never really that bad! We MADE IT! Cheers to all the great things we will accomplish!
— FiaauLagi Tautolo
Major: Psychology
Minor: CPIOS
First, I would like to thank everyone that helped me throughout my journey at SFSU.
Being a first generation college graduate within my family is mind blowing and honoring. I am forever grateful for my family for being super supportive and continue to encourage me to push beyond my limits. Shoutout to my friends, they have been my backbone throughout this whole journey of college. CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021!
— Uhna Nauer
Major: Criminal Justice
Minor: CPIOS
My entire educational journey has been me looking for spaces that recognized my community in its curriculum and staff and knowledge, where I could be myself.
I found that here in Race and Resistance. Class of 2021, we did it!
— Tailua Manu
Major: RRS
Minor: Critical Pacific Island and Oceania Studies
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