Class of 2021 outstanding graduates
Each semester, thousands of students graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences. In order to recognize those students this year, we聽asked for nominations from the units聽to recognize the best of the best of those students. Were they amazing for their academic capabilities? What about everything they endured and still managed to complete their degrees?聽
Here are a few of those amazing graduating students:
Niama Al-Nima
Philosophy and Cinema Studies and Moving Image Arts
I think graduating from CU is a reminder of all the things that my family and I had to go through to be able to get here. When I was a kid, my family and I didn't have many options, but graduating from CU opens up options I never imagined I would ever have.
Nathan Bala
Dance
Show up. Show up for others, show up for your community, show up for yourself. It鈥檚 incredible how rewarding that is. Just show up. The rest will take care of itself.
Sarah Bellatti
Integrative Physiology
Each moment in life is fleeting, so the most beautiful thing I can do is be fully present in each day and moment. At CU, I found my dearest mentors and best friends during the classes and experiences I had most feared and attempted to avoid. I will always carry with me the knowledge that there is a reason I am where I am, and to have faith that opportunities and connections will present themselves so long as I keep my eyes open to see them.
Grant Bowman
BFA Theatre (Acting)
I have a few short, simple pieces of advice for other acting students: Listen. Be on time. Know your lines. Don't stretch yourself too thin. Drink water. Try something different every rehearsal. Read a new play and watch a new film every week. Live a full life outside of the theatre. Have fun. Be yourself.
Taylor Christiansen
Integrative Physiology
The advice I would give to other students is to not compare yourself to others. ... You are enough. You belong at CU. If you put in the work and believe in yourself you will succeed!!
Tyler Cohan
Integrative Physiology
Although college may seem daunting at first, there are so many people and resources available through CU that are there to help you along your path. ... Whether it be professors, classmates, counselors, or friends, there are always people who are more than happy to support you at CU.
Rita DiSibio
BFA Theatre
I think the most important thing I've learned from CU that I will carry with me is to be true and authentic to who I am, and to always stand up for what is right, especially against the people we are most scared to speak out against. My career and my "connections" are never more important than the fight for equity in the arts.
Zoe Fischoff
Theatre
Having been in schooling of some kind for the past 20 years, graduating to me represents the first time the path in front of me is completely open-ended; a prospect both intimidating and exciting.
Hank Graham
Political Science
Though this is cliche, my time here has taught me to believe in myself. Whatever my next step is, this will allow me to reach for my goals and take shots that may make me nervous.
Perry Hayman
Integrative Physiology
The best piece of advice I could give to other students would be to get involved in all the things CU has to offer--from rigorous clubs in STEM to the hammocking club, there is something for everyone. It is equally important to find things within your major that you like as it is important to find hobbies outside of school as well. Getting involved and meeting new people of different types opens many doors and creates connections that will last a lifetime.
Andrew Her
Molecular, Cellular and De