Graduation is deeply bittersweet this year. In a moment deserving of pride and celebration, we are faced with the loss of our traditional gatherings that offer ceremonial rights of passage. For our students who are the first in their families to graduate high school or college, we are so deeply proud of you. Proud of how you persevered, proud of how you are making a new path, proud of how you have leveraged the gifts of those around you to rally in support, proud of your brilliance and creativity, proud of your families who are your champions, proud that you didn’t let overly complicated systems that are often oppressive stop you, and so proud of your determination to follow your dreams.
Yes, I was the embarrassingly loud lady holding this sign on the verge of tears as the parade of graduating high school seniors drove through our neighborhood this afternoon.
Today we have 4 incredible women who are FuturesNW intern staff graduating from Western Washington University with Human Services and English degrees. To say I am grateful to know them and work with them is the understatement of the century. Ashleigh, Bianca, Brittany and Hunter have passionately served students in our community in profound, loving, action-based, justice-oriented and inspiring ways. They have supported students at Squalicum, Options, Sehome and Nooksack Valley high schools, impacting countless life trajectories and generations to come. I am so proud of them! Will you join me in wishing them the very best in their next steps? I am including their bios below, one last time so that they can be celebrated by you, their loving community and champions— for what they have accomplished is worthy of our adoration and applause. We wish we could be there is person with you today Ashleigh, Bianca, Brittany and Hunter but we are cheering you on and so excited for your next steps and for the lives you will continue to impact.
Ashleigh Barnhart, Human Services graduate, Western Washington University
I am a senior at Western Washington University and will graduate in June with my B.A. in Human Services. I plan to go onto graduate school to earn my Masters in school counseling and hope to work in my local school district. Being a first generation college student and a mother of five young children, has shown me how important access to education and resources surrounding that really are. Having financial literacy, academic support and a solid foundation in secondary education are crucial in college and life readiness beyond high school. I hope to work with under-represented communities and promote access and equity for all students in a school setting. I’ve had some wonderful experiences with Futures NW and hope to continue working with them for a long time. It’s such meaningful work and encouraging to see how much of an impact we can make together in student’s lives.
Bianca Leon, Human Services graduate, Western Washington University
Hola! I am a Western Student majoring in Human Services and double minoring in Education & Social justice and American Cultural Studies. As a first-generation student, I recognize that the journey post high school can be confusing and intimidating which is why I would love to share my experiences and knowledge to assist students. Having been on the receiving end of programs that provide support to students, I am aware of the differences it creates; which is why I aspire to become a Higher Education Adviser for low-income high school students.
Brittany Delaney, Human Services graduate, Western Washington University
I am a first-generation Latina student attending Western Washington University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Human Services. I am currently a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success as well as president of the WWU CDN. I have a passion to help break down barriers and support students in their journey through education.
Hunter Jupiter, English major graduate, Western Washington University
I am a senior at Western Washington University and will be graduating in June with a B.A. in English Literature and a teaching endorsement. I am continuing my education with graduate school in hopes of becoming a high school teacher. Being a first-generation college student myself, I understand the struggles of navigating higher education and accessing resources. I feel so fortunate to be partnered with FuturesNW as an intern at Squalicum High School to share my experiences and help students overcome those barriers to achieve their own college and/or career goals.
Thank you Ashleigh, Bianca, Brittany and Hunter for your friendship and service with our organization! We are going to miss you with all our hearts.