Senior Series 2023: Meet this Year's Graduating Class
In celebration of the UMass Amherst Class of 2023, we asked a handful of graduating seniors to share their stories in their own words as part of the university's fifth annual Senior Series. These students — nominated by peers, faculty, and staff — are already making their mark on the world. Check out their inspiring words below.
This is Your Class of 2023
Alba Frias Blanco
College of Natural Sciences
“I chose to major in psychology because I want to help individuals in the Hispanic community with mental health issues and assist patients who have been misdiagnosed in this field due to a lack of communication. I also want to assist the community in overcoming the stigma associated with mental health.”
Andrea Ramirez Franco
Isenberg School of Management
“A little while ago, I watched a video of my twelve-year-old self sending a video to my dad wishing him a happy birthday and it reminded me of the hardworking man he is. Despite his language barrier, my father worked two to four part-time jobs in order to keep his kids happy. He's been the best example of never giving up to reach your goals and dreams.”
Caroline Roscoe
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
"A huge majority of the friends I made were from the clubs I joined and the way I found my career path was through the Public Relations Student Society of America. Since I made strong relationships with my professors, I know I have a support system that I created at UMass even after I graduate."
Chelsea Staub
College of Humanities & Fine Arts
"After dropping out of college in 2009, I never thought I'd have the opportunity or skillset to continue with my education. Overcoming these beliefs and applying to UMass allowed me to embark on a new path and unlock my potential. My success in achieving my academic goals stems from the constant support and guidance from my professors and advisors whose kindness, wisdom, and trust have empowered me, helping me to step into the best version of myself."
Chloe Ostiguy
College of Humanities & Fine Arts, Commonwealth Honors College
“I'm so happy to have chosen linguistics as my major—with UMass's linguistics department being one of the best in the world. I love learning about language (and dialects in particular). We all have some sort of experience with linguistics, whether we know it or not, and it's so interesting to be able to validate people's experiences with language using scientific research.”
Clare Sheedy
School of Public Health & Health Sciences
“John Lewis is a huge inspiration to me, so much so that I have 'Good Trouble' tattooed on my arm. I wish he wasn't an inspiration, because that would mean we lived in a world free of social justice issues.”
Connor MacFarlane
College of Engineering
“I really enjoy using science and engineering to tackle the big issues facing society.”
Deanna Cook
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
“I would tell my freshman self to be proud of every accomplishment I have achieved. No matter how big or small my accomplishments have been, they have gotten me to where I am today and I couldn't be more grateful!”
Destiney Philoxy
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
“If I can give advice to freshmen I would say, 'Never be afraid to be yourself. Real friends accept no disrespect.'"
Emily Harding
Isenberg School of Management, Commonwealth Honors College
"I chose to major in marketing because it's a field that requires both creative and analytical thinking. Marketing provides the perfect intersection between these two mindsets, which I love combining in order to create a strategy that promotes a brand or product successfully. I appreciate how diverse the field is, with various niches and career paths to explore."
Emma Holtz
College of Humanities & Fine Arts
“My professors in the art history department inspire me every day to be the best person I can be. I am extremely fortunate to be part of a smaller department where I know my professors personally and know they want to see me excel.”
Francesa De Mora Ocaña
College of Natural Sciences
“I have found a community here and it has made my time at UMass so special. As a transfer student, I worried I might have a hard time finding my people, but I can happily say I found them! To all my fellow transfer students and freshmen, go out there! Be yourself, be happy, and be open to trying new things!”
Gabrielle Dieu
School of Public Health & Health Sciences
"Choosing public health as a major was a pivotal aspect of my time at UMass because I found that it incorporated many things I have always been passionate about: advocacy, opioid addiction, healthcare inequity, etc. In many ways it has taught me about my personal privileges and the power in leveraging them for the greater good."
Hellen Muma
School of Public Health & Health Sciences
“My passion for public health is driven by my desire to give back to my homeland of Kenya and improve the health profile of the Black community here in the United States. I wish to make it my lifelong commitment to improve the life expectancy and quality of life and eliminate the incidence of disease.”
Jariah Cole
Isenberg School of Management
“When I first arrived on campus, I had a clear idea of my academic and personal goals, but UMass has expanded my horizons in countless ways. Whether it's attending spin classes at the Rec Center or conducting in-depth research for my honors thesis on a subject that I am passionate about, I have taken advantage of a plethora of opportunities on this campus, and I am deeply appreciative of them.”
Jason Maysonet
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
“Everyone doesn’t get the opportunity to attend a university, let alone one as prominent as UMass. My parents have sacrificed so much for me to be here so I aim to make them proud.”
Jillian Taylor
College of Natural Sciences
“True strength comes from asking for help and learning to use the aid of others. As I’ve learned, it’s okay to fail. It’s how you overcome this failure and how you improve after it that matters the most.”
Julia Derocher
College of Humanities & Fine Arts
“If I could talk to freshman Julia I would give her a hug and tell her to trust her heart because no one knows what she needs better than she does.”
Kristina Borys
College of Natural Sciences
“Don’t underestimate yourself, you are capable and deserving of achieving your goals.”
Leila Depina
College of Natural Sciences
“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, far away from your comfort zone, to try new things. There are many opportunities out there, you just have to go out and find them. And don’t worry, you’re doing great! You will figure everything out.”
Leila Olegario
Isenberg School of Management
“Witnessing the growth of my organization, the Asian American Student Association (AASA), has definitely been one of my proudest accomplishments during my college career. I have met the most amazing people through this organization, and I am so grateful for the experience and memories that AASA has given me.”
Liam Zielony
College of Natural Sciences
“Choosing to double major in Psychology and Social Thought & Political Economy (STPEC) has been one of my best decisions as a student. Learning about the intricate molecular patterns of individual human brains in psychology courses while simultaneously analyzing expansive, complex social and political theories in STPEC courses has enabled me to better understand my role in the world, my human nature, and to establish values that foster compassion.”
Maíra Lima Silva
School of Public Health & Health Sciences
"The day I got my acceptance letter from UMass, my proud father turned to me and said, 'When we visited campus and walked by the science laboratories, it made me want to go back to school.' I carry this moment with me forever as a reminder of how my family values education and the resources and opportunities that my parents were not so easily afforded."
Nathalie Valentin
College of Natural Sciences
“One piece of advice I would give to my freshman self would be to be more open to opportunities and to put myself out there more.”
Scottie Marro
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
“My favorite memories here at UMass all come from working with, learning from, and creating long-lasting friendships with such an amazing group of people through my journalism major. There are plenty of people I got to collaborate with on a daily basis that I want to root for and see succeed with every little and big thing they do in their lives, which comes from the great culture of journalists that the department created here at UMass."
Shayan Raza
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
“Trust the process. I dreaded every moment of being here when I first arrived as a first-year student. Four years later, after meeting some of my closest friends and mentors, taking advantage of countless life-changing opportunities, and serving as your student body president, I can’t imagine graduating from anywhere else.”
Sophie Weller
College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
“As I enter the next chapter of my life, with my eyes full of endless possibilities, I know that my mom and dad will be along for the ride. So, when asked about who has inspired and motivated me, the answer is easy: my parents.”
Then & Now: Senior Series
Now in its fifth year, the UMass Amherst Senior Series celebrates the remarkable stories of the university's graduating class. Take a peek at the stories from the last four years.