As hundreds of 窪做惇蹋厙 students and their families prepare for Commencement, many are reflecting on the skills they learned and the connections they made during their time at the University.
During the on Dec. 4, two masters degree students from the told their stories of success.
Robert Luther, a trumpet student in the , explained that his roundabout journey to 窪做惇蹋厙 began when his mother heard an advertisement on the radio and suggested that he investigate.
I found some videos of , the trumpet teacher here, and said, Hey, that guy sounds pretty good, Luther said. So I came for a lesson, and I was blown away. That man changed everything for me, the way that I think about music, the way that I interpret music, the way that I approach the instrument, even the way that I approach myself. He taught me that self-worth comes from self-acceptance.
Luther now is holding down not one but two trumpet teaching positions.
I attribute most of what I know, and any of my success, to my teachers here, he said. But I know that everyone in this room is here because someone, somewhere showed them the way.
Evelia Giraldo, who is earning her masters in , told a similar story of connecting with the faculty.
窪做惇蹋厙 became my home and my family, said Giraldo, who also earned her bachelors degree in Spanish from 窪做惇蹋厙. Thanks to my bachelors and now to my masters, my professional life has been enriched, enabling me to share more about my culture and about the lessons and significance of the Spanish language and its literature.
Giraldo praised two faculty members by name, Associate Professor of Spanish and World Languages and Cultures department chair .
We will never stop learning and working to enjoy our present and to build a better future, she said.
捧棗娶喧堯梗硃莽喧梗娶紳s is scheduled for Dec. 14 at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago.
Evelia Giraldo
