The University of Texas at Dallas is honoring the Class of 2022 at spring commencement starting May 13. In the first part of this two-part series, soon-to-be graduates from four of UT Dallas’ eight schools shared their journeys and how the University helped them fulfill their academic dreams. (Editor’s Note: Students from the other four schools will be featured in the next edition of News Center.)
Rica Lelina
Bachelor of Arts in literary studies, magna cum laude
School of Arts and Humanities
Hometown: McKinney, Texas
How has UTD prepared you for the future?
The school’s administration, faculty and staff have shown that they genuinely care about my success, and they have all helped me. Three women in particular have profoundly impacted me and prepared me for my future: [assistant dean of undergraduate studies] Megan Hering, Laura Goldstein [of the Student Success Center] and Dr. Carie King. I am forever grateful for their leadership and service to UTD.
Have you always had an interest in literature?
My most distinctive memories of childhood consist of completely immersing in the worlds of Nancy Drew, Eragon and his dragon, the “Warrior” cats, “Little Women.” I’ve always cherished reading for pleasure and escapism.
What are some opportunities you’ve had at UTD?
Working at the Writing Center [in the Student Success Center], interning as a Gemini Ambassador and serving as an officer for Sigma Tau Delta. I’ve also served as an officer for a music organization and a swordfighting guild — two clubs that have allowed me to grow as a leader in unconventional outlets.
What are your plans?
I am applying and interviewing for a few positions. I envision going back to school for a master’s degree in a year or two, concurrently with my full-time work.
Dante Jaramillo
Master of Arts in arts, technology, and emerging communication
School of Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication
Hometown: Carrollton, Texas
What are some opportunities you’ve had at UTD?
I played an essential part to bring the School of Interdisciplinary Studies to the digital age and create a presence on social media. I have also been privileged to work alongside student assistants from across all schools at UTD and provide them a place to gain working experience. Lastly, I am part of the ArtSci Lab at ATEC as a research collaborator. I have presented, collaborated and shared my expertise with the lab.
What are you most proud of from your time at UTD?
I am proud to be part of the inclusive support opportunities on campus provided by the Galerstein Gender Center. I want everyone on campus to feel welcome, and I am proud to be part of that initiative at UT Dallas.
What are your plans?
I want to pursue teaching part time. I enjoy sharing my skills and knowledge with others. Professionally, I plan to pursue certification in social media strategy and continue my job as a mass communications manager.
Casey Sullivan
Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, cum laude
Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science
Hometown: Austin, Texas
What has the last year been like for you?
I began the semester as the president of [the a cappella group] Novis, and for the group to survive the decrease in membership, we had to make a big recruitment push — so much so that over half of our members were brand new. Novis had a successful semester, and we’re really proud of all the work we’ve put in to get the group to sound great.
How did you become interested in mechanical engineering?
I was always great at math, but nothing ever grabbed my interest until my first physics class in high school. There I learned how interesting it was to apply the mathematical concepts I had learned to real-world problems. I also took a computer-aided design (CAD) course, which I found interesting. So, when I looked for a major, I took the product of physics and CAD and ended up at mechanical engineering.
What are some opportunities you’ve had at UTD?
As a National Merit Scholar, I had the opportunity to engage with the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College. My favorite part was the honors electives you can take. The courses were small, with only about 20 students per section, and each class was structured more as a discussion than a lecture. This gave me more positive interaction with my fellow students and kept me interested in the subject matter.
What are your plans?
I have secured an engineering internship over the summer. If all goes well, it could turn into a full-time job.
Ayomide Irabor
Bachelor of Science in healthcare studies, magna cum laude
School of Interdisciplinary Studies
Hometown: Plano, Texas
Did you always want to work in the medical field?
I’ve been interested in going into the medical field since I was a kid, but I wasn’t sure in what role specifically. In high school, I participated in a clinical rotations program, in which I got to shadow physicians from different specialties, which helped me realize that I wanted to become a physician.
What are some opportunities you’ve had at UTD?
I had the opportunity to be on the Living Our Values Task Force that was tasked with improving racial equity on campus. I loved volunteering at Kids University, a summer camp for homeless children held on campus. Also, I’ve been a student assistant in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies for the past three years. The school staff really cares about supporting students during their time at UTD, and I have loved playing a part in that by creating content for the school’s social media accounts.
What are your plans?
I will start medical school this summer with the hopes of working in an underserved area in the future and addressing health disparities.