When Julie Rodriguez-Espinoza graduated from Western International High School in June 2020, her world seemed uncertain. With the COVID-19 pandemic having reached Michigan and a stay-at-home order strictly in place, classes were meeting online and the precious in-person events that students look forward to during their senior year were canceled.
Julie would be attending Wayne State University that fall and had signed up for the Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) hosted by the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies (CLLAS; formerly Chicano-Boricua Studies) and sponsored by the DTE Foundation. She was ready to spend her summer getting a head start on her college journey, taking classes and participating in a series of social and academic activities with other incoming freshmen.
When she received the notification that SEP, too, would be delivered entirely online, she asked herself whether she really wanted to sit in front of a computer for hours during her summer break. She thought about the sacrifices she and her parents made to get her this far—she was the first in her family to graduate from high school—and her goal of finding a career path that she would enjoy and where she could serve her community. She also thought about the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge scholarship she was receiving from Wayne State and how important it was for her to do well at the university in order to keep the scholarship for four years. So, despite the uncertainty, she booted up her laptop and started the program just days after finishing high school.
Julie made the most of the summer experience, learning how to successfully navigate an online college course, socializing with advisors and fellow students during Zoom activities, developing strategies for managing her time, and more. Her investment paid off, as Wayne State remained virtual for the entire 2020-21 academic year. She began that fall semester with confidence and hope for the road ahead.
Fast forward four years to April 29, 2024 at the Wayne State University Student Center Ballroom. New college graduate Julie Rodriguez-Espinoza stood at the podium delivering a speech to a standing-room only crowd full of students, family members, friends and community supporters at the annual El Nuevo Comienzo Latina/o/x and Native Student Graduation Celebration. Hosted by CLLAS, El Nuevo Comienzo recognizes the achievements of Latina/o/x and Native graduates at Wayne State and honors the strong ties between the university and the external Latino/a community.
Julie earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a co-major in Latino/a and Latin American Studies from Wayne State. In addition to her core studies, she served as a peer mentor for CLLAS and student ambassador for Wayne State, participated in the rigorous Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, worked part-time in the security office at Little Caesar’s Arena, held a side hustle as a licensed nail tech, and balanced multiple responsibilities at home and church. She plans to pursue a graduate degree with the goal of working to support military veterans. Reproduced here is a slightly edited version of her bilingual Nuevo Comienzo speech.
Good evening, esteemed faculty, proud parents, honored guests, and fellow graduates. My name is Julie Rodriguez-Espinoza. I’m a first-generation college student. It’s an honor to be here speaking to you all.
Primero que todo, quiero agradecer a Dios por haberme guiado en este camino lleno de tinieblas. Es por Su gracia que he alcanzado esta ocasión tan significativa. Su amor incondicional han sido mi luz en los momentos de oscuridad, iluminando el camino hacia el éxito.
Today marks a significant milestone in our lives as we stand here on the verge of a new chapter. Before we take off on this journey, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to everyone for your support and love throughout our journey.
These past four years have been filled with hardship, anger, stress, and much more. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, we’ve also experienced moments of joy, growth, and triumph. Each obstacle we’ve overcome has only made us stronger and more resilient.
As we reflect on our journey, let us not dwell on the difficulties, but rather celebrate the resilience and perseverance that have brought us to this moment. These experiences have molded us into the individuals we are today, equipped with the strength and determination to face whatever lies ahead. Together, let us embrace the future with optimism and courage, knowing that we are prepared to overcome any challenge that comes our way.
Para mi queridos padres, mamá y papá, en este momento tan especial, quiero expresar mi gratitud desde lo más profundo de mi corazón. Mamá, tu amor incondicional y apoyo incansable han sido mi refugio en los momentos más difíciles. Papá, tu fuerza, sabiduría y aliento constante han alimentado mi determinación para nunca rendirme, incluso cuando el camino parecía imposible. Ambos han sacrificado tanto para asegurarse de que tenga las oportunidades y herramientas para perseguir mis sueños. Cada noche de estudio, cada lágrima derramada y cada triunfo son un testimonio de su amor y dedicación. Al graduarme, quiero que sepan que este éxito es tanto suyo como mío. Gracias por ser mis guías, mis inspiraciones y mis héroes. Los quiero con todo mi corazón.
My sister Lesli, as you sit in the audience, I hope to one day be sitting at your graduation. Keep up the good work, and let’s chase that degree. To the man who has helped me in every way possible, my loving boyfriend, thank you. Your love and support have helped me through these past couple of months. I love you.
I would like to thank the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies for providing a safe space for every student. Thank you, Dr. Chinea, Melissa and Estenia, for your unconditional support towards me and many other students. Dr. Hernández, your academic mentorship and kindness have carried me a long way. Thank you.
And now, dear graduates, who knew these past four years would go by so quickly? Most of us could probably remember our first day here. Now look at us, graduating and going off to expand our horizons, fortified with knowledge, skills, and a determination to make a difference in the world.
As we leave this campus and step into the next phase of our lives, let’s carry with us the memories we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and the friendships we’ve made. Let’s approach the future with optimism, embracing new challenges and opportunities with open arms.
As most of us probably are first generation, and as we become part of the 20 percent of Latinos who hold a bachelor’s degree, let us not forget where we come from and who we are. As we continue in our careers, let’s turn around and help our community. Let’s be the advocates, mentors, and leaders our community needs, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for those who come after us. Together, let’s strive to uplift and empower our Latino community, ensuring that every dream can flourish.
As I conclude, I’d like to leave you with this thought: You can either face the pain of pushing yourself every day or face the pain of knowing you didn’t live up to your potential. I think one of those hurts a lot worse than the other. So, let’s embrace the discomfort of growth, let’s challenge ourselves, let’s dare to dream big, and let’s strive to become the best versions of ourselves. Congratulations, graduates! The world awaits our greatness.
Melissa Miranda-Morse is associate director of the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies at Wayne State University. CLLAS was established in 1971 as the Latino en Marcha Leadership Training Program (later Chicano-Boricua Studies) by the Detroit Latino/a Community with the goal of developing leaders among its youth. Now a full-fledged academic center, CLLAS fulfills its mission through a four-part strategy of research and teaching, student support services, university advocacy, and community engagement.
