Katya Pedyash

   The Hispanic Studies program at William & Mary is home. Each time I have been asked to speak on behalf of the program, be it to prospective majors or to interviewees, that sentiment is one I cannot understate. This major proved socially, academically, and emotionally fulfilling beyond anything I imagined in my freshman year when I expected only to take a few courses to upkeep my Spanish. Now, as I prepare to graduate with a second major in Hispanic Studies, I cannot imagine a version of myself who didn't choose to pursue this path. I would not be preparing to go abroad for a Master of Letters Peacebuilding and Mediation if I had not discovered my passion for decolonial thought through HISP. My professors endlessly encouraged my enthusiasm for combining social justice through policy and indigenous feminist theory. That genuine support carved out a formidable and passionate student who can say that, alongside the most empowering colleagues and mentors I could ask for, they have taught a college-level course in Spanish and traveled to Argentina for an intensive education in identifying and countering state-sponsored violence. Only a home can make an individual feel as complete as these experiences left me.​

   Profesor Terukina, Profesor Rivera-Santana, Profesora Pineda-Burgos, Profesor Garrote-Pascual, y a todos los demás profesores increíbles que he conocido aquí: Gracias siempre por su confianza en mí y el cuidado que me han ofrecido a lo largo de mi viaje. Gracias a ustedes, entiendo no sólo quién puedo ser sino también quién soy. Su sinceridad es regalo que apreciaré y llevaré por toda la vida.​

   Ángeles: mis amigos queridos, gracias por todas las sonrisas, las risas, y su amor. Ustedes me dan alas en forma de confianza. El mundo tiene tanta suerte de tenerte; yo también me siento profundamente afortunade.