Filled with families and friends, the Whittier College 16th Annual Latino Graduates Celebration honored the class of 2017.
Wendy Carrillo, a recent candidate for the U.S. Congress, was the evening’s keynote speaker and shared her story as a Latina carving her own career path. “As Latinos, we must take a place at the table where decisions are being made,” she told the soon-to-be graduates. “We must own the responsibility as to who we are and what we bring to the table to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to an education, that everyone has an opportunity to healthcare, and that everyone has an opportunity to live, not just survive,” said Carrillo.
After Carillo’s speech, five seniors took to the podium and shared their own stories while looking back at their time at Whittier. They all recognized their families’ sacrifices and triumphs, and the importance of obtaining an education. “Let’s use the privilege of our education to create a more inclusive and accepting world,” said Alma Corado ’17, a psychology major, while speaking to her fellow graduates. “As we step into the real world, let’s be intentional with the impact we make and challenge those who question our community’s existence.”
Graduating senior Lightmary Flores, a community public health and advocacy major, closed the ceremony singing alongside Trio la Victoria.
