I am wrapping up my time at St. Edward’s University with so much to be thankful for. I have had an amazing undergraduate career and it would not have been possible without the help of the following individuals:

Thank you Esther Yacono, Gilbert Contreras and Linda Valdez of the CAMP program. Thank you for helping a first generation college student achieve what was once thought to be unachievable.

Thank you to my wonderful cheerleading coach, Ann Mary Carney and the rest of my teammates. It has been an honor working with such talented individuals. I have learned some important life lessons from cheerleading and have so many wonderful memories with you all.

Thank you to the amazing communication department. Thank you to Professors Tere Garza and Corinne Weisgerber for the invaluable professional advice you have given me throughout these years. I would also like to thank Professor Stephanie Martinez for agreeing to teach the Ethnography course, it meant more to me than you will ever know.

Thank you to Chris Garcia in Student Financial Services. You have been a tremendous help and I am grateful for your patience and kind spirit.

Thank you to Melinda O’Cañas and Andres Madrid for always supporting me and lending an ear when I really need it. I am excited to continue our friendship in the next chapter of my life.

Thank you to the Hilltop Views staff of the past and present. It has been an amazing journey and I have gained some great experience working alongside you all. The paper has come a long way since I first began working in 2009.

Last but certainly not least, thank you Jena Heath. You have been a great professor, mentor and faculty advisor. You have taught me the importance of a moral compass, an instrument that is applicable to all aspects of my life. Thank you for always telling me what I needed to hear and not what I wanted to hear.

I am leaving St. Edward’s with a treasure chest full of memories, relationships and experiences that I will cherish forever.