Student Speakers: Morning Ceremony Rezhna Rasheed REZHNA RASHEED started at PSU in 2008 and is proudly finishing a bachelor’s degree in tnicro/molecular biology and psychology with a minor in biochemistry. Being a first-generation graduate makes these milestones even more exhilarating. Having lived in the United States for over 16 years, Ms. Rasheed has come to love and respect all the diversity that surrounds her, and feels that this experience has helped her to build a stronger sense of her own identity. Ms. Rasheed is originally from a beautiful mountainous area in Melissa Wilk MELISSA WILK is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies, a minor in elementary education, and minor in black studies. Prior to attending Portland State University, Ms. Wilk received her Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree from Portland Community College. She is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the TRiO program, and the National Residence Hall Honorary. She is also a recipient of the 2013 Student Success Scholarship. Following graduation, Ms. Wilk will be completing a Teaching English as a Foreign Language Certificate in Costa Rica and plans to earn a Master of Arts in elementary education in June 2015. A native Oregonian with a love for travel, Ms. Wilk is eager to Kurdistan, where culture, family and education are important parts of the region. She is grateful for all the support and encouragement from her family. “I sincerely hope that my existence brings inspiration and a drive toward helping others,” she said. “I aspire to continue my education for as long as I can with the goal of attending medical school and becoming a doctor. My ultimate dream is to make a difference in the world; I want to be a reflection of my dreams.” begin teaching full time in bilingual classrooms both abroad and at home. Outside of school, Ms, Wilk works as a nanny and tutor, while volunteering for Portland State’s Helen Gordon Child Development Center, Disability Resource Center, and Student Success program. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, spending time with family, and composing music. Ms. Wilk would like to give special thanks to the TRiO program and her ever expanding family for their continued support, generosity, and inspiration. She is honored to be a commencement speaker and looks forward to sharing this day with those she loves. To her many siblings, she looks forward to someday attending their graduations. 9
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