Class of 2021: Graduate Profiles

"It is critical that all students, regardless of race, have catalysts to inspire interest, drive intent, and lead to experiences to study in another country."

"I grew up in several different housing projects watching my mom do the best job that she could with four kids as a single mother, so my motivation was to make her proud and show kids who grew up like I did that we don't have to be another statistic."

“I’m definitely a lot more outgoing, a lot smarter really – just because I’ve been challenged in so many different ways. That’s what I love about UVA and what drew me to come to school here. I love challenges and I knew that this would offer a challenging academic environment as well as athletic. … That’s what I love and really shaped me into the person I am today.”

“Education for me is just so important. If it’s done right and the resources and support are there, it’s the best equalizer. It’s awful to me that some people don’t get the same opportunities. I’m not a savior – I can’t fix every problem myself – but I want to do my part.”

"Seeing the passion that my instructors brought to each class inspired me to want to be as knowledgeable as they were so I could one day present the info my students would need to be successful with the same exuberance."

"I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to teach a variety of courses with so many excellent mentors." 

Rachel is staying at UVA after graduation to complete her master's degree in exercise physiology while also continuing to train for the US Women's National Field Hockey Team. (Photo courtesy of the Virginia Athletics Office.)

Living in Bogotá, Nicolás Ruiz is now working to help vulnerable schools in Colombia innovate through instructional technologies and teacher professional development.

"I hope that by becoming an executive administrator in a healthcare system, I will be able to remove barriers to healthcare access and improve the quality of services that underrepresented communities receive."