Joash Elijah Audrey Gabriel to Deliver Senior Speech for the Honors Class of 2023 at Celebration of Excellence
By Xavier Aparicio
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Joash Elijah Audrey Gabriel, a graduating senior in the Commonwealth Honors College, has been selected as the 2023 CHC Senior Speaker at this year's Celebration of Excellence. In her speech, the microbiology and public health major will reflect on the events and experiences that shaped her and her classmates’ time at UMass Amherst. We asked her a few questions to get insight on her time at UMass and what she hopes the audience will get from her speech.
Q: How has the Honors College shaped your undergraduate experience?
A: The Honors College provided me with my first community at UMass. I lived in Oak Hall and joined a Residential Academic Program (RAP) in my first year, and absolutely loved my experience. Being able to talk so candidly in class discussions with my classmates-turned-best friends and having the opportunity to really go in-depth into the material was so enriching. Above all, meeting so many incredible students in the Honors College really inspired me to excel in my studies and in my field.
The Honors College provided me with my first community at UMass Amherst...meeting so many incredible students in the Honors College really inspired me to excel in my studies and in my field.
Q: What motivated you to want to be the CHC Senior Speaker?
A: It was honestly a very last-minute decision. Funnily enough, I remember speaking at my high school graduation, and how it really felt like I was closing a chapter when I finished my speech. I wanted the opportunity to give myself closure, thank the Honors Community for being an integral part of my time at UMass, and reflect on the past few years in a way that uplifted the audience and reminded us all of the lessons we've learned and memories we shared in undergrad.
Q: What do you hope that the general audience will understand about the Honors College from your speech?
A: I hope the general audience understands that Honors College students are far more than just students. Beyond academic excellence, we are a body that has gone above and beyond in research, community service, leadership, advocacy, and so much more. I hope that it leaves them excited for the impacts that Honors students are going to continue to make in their field.
I hope the general audience understands that Honors College students are far more than just students. Beyond academic excellence, we are a body that has gone above and beyond in research, community service, leadership, advocacy, and so much more.
Q: What is the overarching message that you hope you will leave your graduating class?
A: I hope that in all the chaos of graduation and the things that follow, like moving out, relocating, starting school or a new job, our graduating class takes a moment to re-center and to reflect on their time at UMass — taking in every moment and savoring the last days that we are all here together. I hope that each and every senior is proud of themselves for all the incredible things they've accomplished but is also reminded that this is only the beginning.
The 2023 Celebration of Excellence is on May 25, from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Mullins Center. During the ceremony for Commonwealth Honors College seniors and their families, each graduating senior will be called by name and presented with an Honors College gold stole. Congratulations to all graduating seniors!