This video is a compilation of the video speeches submitted by students. The full texts of their speeches are printed below.
Kaddi Jabbi
To the Political Science Class of 2020,
Congratulations, we did it!
We have all accomplished a major milestone, one that should be celebrated for its remarkable significance. My journey as a Political Science major at the UW has helped me gain a deeper and holistic understanding of social and political systems.
As a woman and a first-generation immigrant student, I envision myself to continue engaging in dialogues that promote equity for women, girls, and other marginalized groups in society.
This degree is dedicated to all my cheerleaders, in heaven and on earth, most especially my late big brother for his love and support before and after the demise of our parents. Continue to rest in heaven, Kalifa, you are missed.
Forever a Husky!
Go Dawgs!
Rohnin Randles
I hope you and your families are staying safe with everything going on right now. I know it can be difficult to celebrate in times like this, but everyone here has accomplished something truly worth celebrating. In the age of Zoom lectures and social distancing, we have come to realize the importance of community in our daily lives; through experiences, studies, and interactions you have all shown your dedication to your communities whether it be through volunteering, political activism, academic endeavors, or otherwise. Though I didn’t have the pleasure of getting to know all of you, I know that being part of our shared community is something I will carry with me always. Congratulations alumni, good luck, and stay boundless!
Paul Ryan Villaneuva
It seems like it was just yesterday when I transferred to the University of Washington to pursue my degree in Political Science. It has been an experience to say the least. As a queer person of color, I have often had to work within a system that has been imposed towards me and that wasn’t so easy. My focus in my degree, Political Economy has helped me guide into some decision-makings that changed my life.
I know it’s an unprecedented time to be graduating but class of 2020, we finally did it! I know we still have many more things to do in life, but I know that this class will make the best decision, maybe even fixing our system.
Shaheer Hashmi
I have always had an interest in what makes the world work. Whether it was through physics and biology, or history and precedence. Coming to UW, however, I realized I wanted to understand this world as it affects our rights and progress – through politics, law, and everything in-between. I’m very lucky to have been able to learn rigorous research skills, and a base of knowledge that I can take with me as I continue on my path of education towards law school, and eventually being a lawyer.
I thank all my peers and professors for having inspired me to work hard and think with nuance, and a special thanks to my family for supporting my choices.
Bailey Sipes
Our education began and ended in heightened political dissension, 2016 and 2020. Entering college, I knew that these four years would not only mold my knowledge, but my character. As a strong conservative I’ve had my share of difficulties adapting to a left leaning environment. Yet I look fondly upon my experiences and connections.
Why? Because going through adversity makes one stronger. The University of Washington firmly upholds diversity, and that includes diversity of mindset. Engaging with peers and professors, while making lifelong friends who are different than myself forged me into who I am today, equipped to conquer anything.
Embrace the market place of ideas, it may surprise you to discover more similarities than differences.
Jeani Atlas
Coming into UW, I knew that I wanted to study Political Science. My attention was drawn to learning about the ways in which power differentials are created and influence political outcomes. There was no way I could have foreseen how far this interest would take me or how much I would learn.
Pursuing this interest has allowed me to more deeply understand ways in which racism, sexism, classism and other forms of discrimination, as well as the very system of capitalism itself, create and reinforce power differentials.
Ultimately, studying Political Science has taught me to constantly question the world around me with a critical eye. These are values that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Spencer Lively
I chose to study political science because I and my family have been failed by our government. Despite this, it’s clear that only through improving this government can we fight poverty, homelessness, the opioid epidemic, and create a country we can one day, potentially, be proud of.
What we’ve learned here has given us the amazing ability to identify and solve problems few others can. As we leave, as some of the most compassionate and hardworking people I will ever meet.
Let’s never forget where we came from and who isn’t here with us today, let’s continue asking why things are the way they are and what they could be, and let’s always strive to be more than we were.
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