The Charger Blog
The University community came together to celebrate the achievements of members of the Class of 2022 from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of the celebration, an alumna who is now a dedicated mental health advocate, business owner, and public speaker offered her encouragement and advice.
May 16, 2022
When Adrielys Gómez Ӱԭ22 was new to the University of New Haven, she Ӱԭfound a homeӰԭ in the UniversityӰԭs Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion. Passionate about supporting and inspiring her fellow Chargers, she offered encouragement to her classmates as part of the UniversityӰԭs Celebration of Excellence.
A diversity peer educator for the Myatt Center and a proud first-generation student, Gómez became the first member of her family to earn a college degree when she accepted her bachelorӰԭs degree in economics at Spring Commencement. As part of her remarks at the Celebration of Excellence, she urged her classmates to take risks.
ӰԭDonӰԭt let imposter syndrome get in the way of your accomplishments,Ӱԭ said Gómez, who hails from Puerto Rico. ӰԭDonӰԭt be afraid to try new things Ӱԭ to apply to a job, to live in the city youӰԭve always wanted to live in. You are not an imposter. You can accomplish anything you put your mind to.Ӱԭ
A University tradition, the Celebration of Excellence celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of multicultural students and those from underrepresented backgrounds Ӱԭ such as first-generation students and those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) Ӱԭ and their contributions to the University community.
ӰԭThis is a celebration of excellence for a reason,Ӱԭ said Sofia Martinez Ӱԭ22, a first-generation student, communication major, and president of the Undergraduate Student Government Association. ӰԭIt takes strength every day to be in the space weӰԭre in. A lot of us look at the big picture of what we want to do, but sometimes it takes a very small step to get there.Ӱԭ
As part of the celebration, students and staff spoke to members of the Class of 2022, offering their words of advice and encouragement.
ӰԭYour experiences deepen your knowledge and expand your horizons,Ӱԭ said Ophelie Rowe-Allen, Ed.D., dean of students and chief student affairs officer. ӰԭI hope youӰԭll share your story. It is an act of vulnerability, and it can be scary, but with vulnerability comes power. There will be roadblocks, but obstacles and regrets donӰԭt have to stop you.Ӱԭ
The ceremony included an inspirational keynote speech from Ivy Watts Ӱԭ15, a former standout on the who earned a bachelorӰԭs degree in psychology from the University. Now a full-time motivational speaker and blogger, she is an ardent mental health advocate.
Watts, who joined the ceremony virtually from her home in Massachusetts with her four-month-old daughter, congratulated students and shared her own story. As a Charger, despite her success on the track and in the classroom, she struggled with anxiety and depression. Despite graduating with accolades, she felt like she wasnӰԭt good enough, and she felt guilty.
After earning her masterӰԭs degree in public health from and working for what was then , a nonprofit based in Boston, she started her own business. Four years later, her motivational speaking business, , and her blog, , are thriving. A sought-after public speaker, she travels the country to speak to audiences that include students, athletes, and parents.
ӰԭI was empowered by my experiences at the University of New Haven to leave my job and create my own business,Ӱԭ she told students. ӰԭWhen I changed my major to psychology, I learned to pivot, and that helped me later on. It is an honor to come back to the University to tell my story. I take every opportunity to give back to the school that changed my life.Ӱԭ
Encouraging students to prioritize their own mental health and well-being, Watts said she is grateful to now be having more open conversations about mental health Ӱԭ something that, even in the recent past, was not often discussed. She encouraged members of the Class of 2022 to make their well-being a priority Ӱԭ offering them affirmations that she encouraged them to use each day.
ӰԭRemember, ӰԭI am worthy,Ӱԭ ӰԭI am capable,Ӱԭ and ӰԭI am good enough,ӰԭӰԭ she encouraged. ӰԭThe power of positivity is incredible. Also, you can make a difference in the world.Ӱԭ
Mya Oliwa Ӱԭ23, president of the UniversityӰԭs First-Generation Student Association, echoed WattsӰԭs words of encouragement as she offered her support to her graduating classmates.
ӰԭDonӰԭt be afraid to do something new,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭYou never know when opportunity will await you. It is also okay to take a break. Your mental health matters.Ӱԭ
As part of the ceremony, graduating seniors were recognized by name, and they received pins. Carrie Robinson, M.S., director of the Myatt Center and a first-generation student, acknowledged the challenges students have faced outside the classroom Ӱԭ from violence across the country to COVID-19. She praised the Class of 2022 for their accomplishments and urged them to celebrate everything they have achieved.
ӰԭThe faculty and staff here understand the importance of this moment,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭWe celebrate with you, and we congratulate you.Ӱԭ
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