Meet a few of HNU's winter 2021 graduates
Congratulations to all of HNU’s winter 2021 graduates! This year’s winter graduates are an inspiring group—they’ve accomplished so much and have bright futures ahead. Hear from just a few recent graduates about their experiences and the advice they would give their former selves. There’s a good chance it will inspire you too!
Tamara Walker ‘21
Bachelor’s degree in sociology with a human resources emphasis
Tamara transferred to HNU from Berkeley City College. She chose HNU because the hybrid classes allowed her to work a full-time job and take care of her four kids and two grandsons, while finishing her degree.
Advice to past self:
Be kind to yourself. Take your time and you will finish everything you dreamed of when God sees fit. Love the people who love you, smile more, take trips more, and know that you have ancestors that walk with you every day. You are destined to be GREAT so shine with all the light in you because you hold your future in your hands.
Giving thanks:
I would like to thank God first, then my professors (Summers-Wynn, Truxler, Moore, Tuckerson, and Dean Michaels)–without their help I would not have been able to finish as fast as I did. They all helped me reach my academic goal and be able to take better care of my family. I need to thank my family because they gave me the drive to finish, even on the days I felt like giving up. I had a baby during this journey and spent last December in the hospital giving birth to my daughter who came prematurely. Everyone worked with me to complete my courses and assignments and I am truly thankful.
What’s next:
I have taken a role as executive director of a small nonprofit, San Francisco Black Wallstreet. I plan to eventually transition into being a social worker to give back to the community.
Ravin Carter ‘19, MA ‘21
Master’s in Counseling Psychology
Advice to past self:
If you need help, ask for it. Emotional and psychological struggles can be draining throughout grad school, not to mention the additional impact of the COVID pandemic. While it is sometimes difficult to admit you need help, reaching out to someone will provide a sense of relief and peace. First, share your thoughts and needs with someone you trust at HNU or a loved one. Then, get the help you need, including professional service, if necessary.
Why I chose HNU:
After completing my BA in psychology from Holy Names, I was initially unsure where to continue my education and earn my master’s degree. However, after talking to HNU professor Kate Isaacson I realized it would be in my best interest to continue with Holy Names, since I had already developed supportive relationships with classmates, staff, and faculty–these relationships have helped me along my academic journey.
My HNU experience:
I appreciated that the classes were a fit for working adults. When I began the program, I was working full time and could attend my classes either in the evenings or online. My professors understood when I needed flexibility, which helped ease my anxiety about school and workload. The class assignments, group projects, and conversations surrounding them provided insight and revelation into who I was and who I am becoming as a clinician.
Giving thanks:
Many thanks to professors Anita Smith, Barbara Strouzas, Gwen Silva, and Kate Isaacson for allowing me to be myself and providing sage advice. These women, without a doubt, have been an asset to my life as well as the HNU community. Many blessings to you all! I also would like to thank my cohort for their support and honest feedback. Particularly my last group from this fall semester. Fiani Johnson, Courtney Sterling, Pilar Farfan, Gina Grammatico, Lauren Newsom, and Torris Thompson (TJ) HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL IN EGYPT NEXT YEAR!
What’s next:
I will be working for Axis Mundi Center for Mental Health, specializing in working with sexual assault survivors. In addition to traditional talk therapy, I will also be working with Zenerosity Equine Therapy, providing group and individual therapy.
Ibrahim Nadir ‘21
Master of Business Administration
Advice to past self:
The advice I would give to my past self is to not to worry so much. Being in a new environment in a foreign country may not be easy, but everything is going to go well–enjoy your time and make the best out of your experience.
Giving thanks:
As an international student (from Germany), I have to thank my family back home who supported me throughout my journey. Being overseas without family at such a young age is not easy, but my family made it possible for me to spend the best years of my life in the United States.
My experience at HNU:
I loved my time here and could not be more thankful for the great people I met. The Bay Area is so diverse and open-minded towards all different types of people and I love that. I feel like I have never been exposed to such a diverse environment before.
What’s next:
I am very interested in different cultures and want to take some time to travel around the world. After graduating, I want to continue playing soccer and visit countries on my bucket list.
Why I chose HNU:
In 2019, I traveled together with my brother and a close friend of mine through California. I fell in love with the Bay Area and knew that I would like to pursue my master’s degree here once I graduated with my undergrad from South Carolina. After receiving a full scholarship as an athlete for the soccer team, I signed right away.
Deimante “Diamond” Bulatovaite ’21
Business administration, concentration in leadership & management
Advice to past self:
Continue to cherish connections and don’t be afraid to make new ones.
Why I chose HNU:
The location: I believe that being closer to the bigger city opens up more opportunities and the campus is beautiful and safe. Plus, HNU has a strong MBA program that met my needs, and I was able to represent the school on the women’s tennis team and was rewarded the athletic scholarship.
My experience at HNU:
Enjoyable. I found every professor and staff member ready to help if any questions arose throughout the course or in any other matter. Moreover, the athletic department is very supportive of its athletes and offers a high level of practice.
Giving thanks:
I would like to thank Ronda Sharp, the admission officer, who was very informative and helped me with my admissions. I would like to thank Professor Gary Lew for believing in his students and being so knowledgeable about the subject he taught. Lastly, I would like to thank the Athletic department for believing in my tennis skills and offering an athletic scholarship.
What’s next:
For now, I will continue working in data analysis and giving tennis lessons. In the future, I will seek a position in operational or information technology management.
Erica Nurse, MEd ‘21
Master of Education
Advice to past self:
Remember when it gets hard, this works out for your good; Enjoy it. Make time to enjoy it.
Why I chose HNU:
After completing my BA of music at UCD I wanted to return home to Oakland, and I chose HNU because HNU empowers their students to make change in the community. I graduated from Holy Names Elementary School in Chicago and had a great experience.
My experience at HNU:
I found HNU to be very nurturing, and the education department was committed to supporting me toward success and personal growth.
Giving thanks:
I would like to thank the department of education, Kodaly center, faculty, staff, and my biggest cheerleaders Chris and Calista Nurse. Lastly, my students who were the “wind beneath my wings”
What’s next:
- Produce with Mi Tone records
- Implement hip hop/Kodaly at a music and media academy in the Bay Area.
- Publish
Sarah Durantini
Certificate in Educational Therapy
Advice to past self:
Be kind to yourself, you are working full time, raising a family, and going to night school. Continue to learn and grow.
Why I chose HNU:
HNU has an outstanding Educational Therapy Program with very well-known educators and Educational Therapists as professors, directors, and advisors in the program.
My experience at HNU:
I have gotten to know some outstanding leaders in the field of Educational Therapy as well as fellow students who work at a variety of schools and private practices around the state of California.
Giving thanks:
I would like to thank Marion Marshall, Polly Mayer, and Toby Mickelson for being excellent teachers and mentors. Additionally, I would like to thank my husband, children, and parents for their continued support as I worked my way through the ET Program at HNU while working full time.
What’s next:
I plan to continue my work as a learning specialist at the high school level as well as beginning to work in private practice as an Educational Therapist.
Anna Hoerter ’21
Advice to past self:
Network. There are so many great people out there, so take any chance to connect! Having those connections has helped me a lot in landing a teaching job right after graduation.
Experience at HNU:
HNU really is like a big family–I spent three years here, and you get to meet so many great people with amazing stories to tell. I can definitely say that HNU feels like my home away from home.
Giving thanks:
I would like to thank all my professors, HNU staff, and of course, the tennis team. Big thanks to the amazing tennis coaches, athletic staff, and my teammates. Without them, my time at HNU would have not been as amazing and all of them hold a very special place in my heart.
Ryan Lu ’21
Business Finance
Advice to past self:
Figure out what you can and can’t control, so that you can understand what you need and not what you want. Discipline yourself to make decisions based on long-term impact, not short-term gratification. And don’t be too hard on yourself, everything happens for a reason.
Why I chose HNU:
As soon as I realized Holy Names would allow me to play college golf and achieve a master’s degree in the future, there wasn’t any other choice I wanted.