2024 Spring NAU Grad Spotlight 🎓
Our seniors take a walk down NAU lane
Oh, how time flies!
Doesn’t it feel like freshman year was yesterday?
From football games to Homecoming rides to chilly nights, our NAU class of 2024 reflects on their time at 7000 ft.
Jeanine Martinez | Secondary Education, English
What’s your favorite NAU memory?
Learning how to snowboard!
What are you most proud of?
I am most proud of myself for never giving up. My mom and dad raised me to never let a no stop me from pursuing my passions.
I was the first in my family to attend a 4-year university, the first to receive a Bachelors Degree. I am proud to say I’m also the first to pursue a Masters — yes, I’m going to Grad school!
What did you struggle with the most?
Being away from family when I lost my grandma.
It felt lonely in Flagstaff and at NAU.
It got better when I realized that even though we were far apart, my friends were some of the best family anyone could ask for.
What would you tell your freshman self?
Hey, Nina. Remember it’s okay to have some self-doubt, but only for 5 seconds. After that, you gotta keep pushing.
If you could thank one professor, who would it be?
Alana Kennedy.
She might not remember me, but I remember her believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself.
Thank you — it saved me.
Janelle Coria Chavez | Dental Hygiene
What’s your favorite NAU memory?
The chilly air on campus.
What are you most proud of?
Completing my degree as a mama.
What did you struggle with the most?
Studying while taking time away from my son.
What would you tell your freshman self?
Mija, lo lograste!
Benjamin Gutteridge | Hotel and Restaurant Management
What’s your favorite NAU memory?
Participating in AXED and the chili cook off.
What are you most proud of?
Meeting wonderful people I can call my friends and the amazing professors as well.
What did you struggle with the most?
Study habits.
What would you say to your freshman self?
Be ready to stay up late to get the grade you want.
Hard work will pay off.
If you could thank one professor, who would it be?
Dr. Mark Molinaro
Megan Greenspan — Psychological Sciences
What’s your favorite NAU memory?
Football games! Whether it was in marching band or just spectating — I always had so much fun!
What are you most proud of?
So much…
- I’m a transfer mentor
- Geavily involved with my frat, SAI.
- I’ve been to Germany.
- I’ve been a part of numerous research studies.
- I have three minors.
- The list goes on!
I’ve been able to accomplish so much at NAU!
What did you struggle with the most?
I initially struggled with transferring and being far from home.
When I transferred in Fall 2022, it was a Hail Mary because my old school in Minnesota had cut my program. Being so far from home and on a new campus was hard, but I’m so glad it somehow worked out!
What would you tell your freshman self?
It’s definitely not gonna be what you initially planned it to be, but oh my goodness is it so much better.
If you could thank one professor, who would it be?
Dr. Wayment! She has been such an amazing professor, resource, and mentor. I would not be where I am today, and going where I’m going (literally) without her!
Aubrey Van Allen — Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
What’s your favorite NAU memory?
Mammal trapping with Dr. Theimer at Sunset Crater
What are you most proud of?
Getting a certification in Wildlife Management
What did you struggle with the most?
CHEMISTRY!!!!
What would you tell your freshman self?
Don’t live on south campus as a biology major 🤣
If you could thank one professor, who would it be?
Dr Theimer 100%
Melissa Zamarripa | Mathematics
What’s your favorite NAU memory?
My favorite memory at NAU was meeting my two best friends Idaly and Daisy.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud of myself for being a First-Gen Latina getting a degree.
Also, making my family proud and having them here with me to celebrate this big accomplishment.
What did you struggle with the most?
Homesickness
What would you tell your freshman self?
Remember it’s okay not to have all the answers right now. Enjoy the journey and don’t stress too much about the future. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, both academically and personally.
And most importantly, be kind to yourself and others along the way.
If you could thank one professor, who would it be?
Rachel Neville — She was extremely helpful to me throughout my college career and was always available to answer any issues I had.
Yael Ruiz — Exercise Physiology
What’s your favorite NAU memory?
My favorite NAU memory is meeting my friends freshman year! We’ve been by each other’s sides ever since freshman year.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the fact that I actually graduated and received my bachelor’s degree as a first-generation student — despite the struggles I faced throughout my college career.
Another thing I’m proud of is that I was able to get closer to first-generation faculty and staff, who made me feel more welcome than anything else.
Muchas gracias por todo y de siempre asegurase de mi misma- se los agradezco mil!
What did you struggle with the most?
Getting adjusted being away from my family.
What would you tell your freshman self?
Don’t be too hard on yourself, everything will work out in the long run.
If you could thank one professor, who would it be?
JJ Duke and Kiisa Nishikawa
Julia Rachel Atrian — English Linguistics
What’s your favorite NAU memory?
Coming here as an incoming freshman and wishing to accomplish all the things I’ve done until today. Projecting who I would become this day!:)
What are you most proud of?
Being a first-gen Latina accomplishing all my goals I proposed to complete in my four years.
What did you struggle with the most?
Being away from home
What would you tell your freshman self?
Don’t ever doubt who you are and what you can accomplish!🤍
If you could thank one professor, who would it be?
Bill Crawford
Here is to the memories made, friendships formed, and degrees obtained! You did it! Through thick and thin, hot and cold, blue and gold! 💙💛
See you at Commencement, Jacks!
