| It's that time of year again when the "Graduation March" rings in our ears as thousands of youngsters strut past us in their black gowns and pointed hats. But the truth is, although these graduates may look the same in their matching garments, they all come from diverse backgrounds and as soon as "Pomp and Circumstance" hits its final note, they will all head in different directions as they take their first steps in the post-college world. UW-Madison graduates Jennifer Knox and Gerardo Mancilla represent racial diversity as well as they take their final steps as college students. These students faced different kinds of challenges both during their years as undergraduates as well as their entire lives beforehand, and prepare to enter the real world with a sense of cultural identity unique to many of their peers. Mancilla, with a degree in both elementary education and communication arts as well as a certificate in Chicano studies, and Knox, with a degree from the business school in business information systems, both found their niche during their college years by becoming active members of the Madison community and putting their heritages at the forefront of the roles they played on campus. "My culture is something I live everyday, and it's not separate from my business studies or anything," said Knox, a prominent member of the African American community. "It's all just kind of together." Knox dedicated her spare time to various forms of student organizing, especially in the area of politics. She was elected to student government, she helped register students to vote in various elections, and she volunteered for FAIR Wisconsin. She said that student organizing is what she will miss the most about college. "That was really where I found my family," she said. "I got to do a lot of good for the Madison community and campus community." Knox also pointed out that her minority status was one of her main reasons for her vast activity in the community. Upon beginning her college career, she frequented the Black Student Union and met people with similar interests. "I've always been a big advocate in terms of rights and also campus climate towards people of color," she said. "I'm a little vocal so whenever I thought things were no t the way they ought to be, or things were unfair I definitely spoke up. I think that's a big piece of how I got into student government." Mancilla also grounded his commitment to the community in his Latino heritage. Born in Mexico, Mancilla immigrated to the United States when he was 6 years old. He is therefore the first person in his family to attend, nonetheless graduate, from college. "When I first started [college] my goal was to graduate," he said. But his ambitions have evolved far beyond his initial aspiration that he fulfilled last week. "My expectations of myself are higher thanks to mentors and guidance counselors and people like that who have influenced me," he said. Mancilla quickly discovered that academics were not enough to create a home in a foreign environment. So he decided to get involved. In October of 2003, Mancilla helped establish the Latino Men's Group, intending to unify Latino students. I think to feel comfortable at the university, you need some kind of support group that will balance you out," he said. "For me, the Latino Men's Group really helped me get things started." But Mancilla didn't stop there. He developed many programs, including Bucky Buddies, which brings middle and high school students to check out the UW-Madison campus once a month. He also did student teaching and a lot of volunteering both on campus and off. "I'm very committed to the Latino community within Madison," he said. "So one of the things I constantly try to do is extend myself beyond the UW borders ... It was really nice to have all the theory here at the university, but actually going out and practicing it and seeing what are the Latino families going through here. In fact, his Latino heritage is precisely the reason he chose his career path. Mancilla hopes to become a middle school teacher, specializing in bilingual education. "The reason I chose to become a teacher [especially for bilingual students] was because they've the same struggles I went through." In the fall, Mancilla will begin graduate school at UW-Madison in curriculum and instruction, and counseling psychology. He hopes to teach middle school in Madison and intends to eventually obtain his Ph.D. On the other hand, Knox isn't set on one specific plan like Mancilla is. She is currently deciding between two job offers; either a job doing technical work in Madison or organizing work in Washington, D.C. "I can see myself doing a lot of things," she said. "I think that's a good thing about coming up in today's world where you can have multiple careers." Despite her dedication to political endeavors in college, she is not sure if politics will be a key part of her future. "Who knows, it could be something that leads into a career as well," she said. "I'm just waiting to find out." However, she intends to continue volunteering in politics regardless of what she ends up doing for her career. Both Knox and Mancilla view their college graduation as a bittersweet experience. "I'm very excited yet at the same time I know that it's just another stepping stone for me at this point," Mancilla said, referring to his plans for higher education. "It'll be something new so that's always exciting and scary at the same time," Knox said. No matter what lies ahead, both are proud of the progress they have made during their college years. "Looking back now it's kind of awkward seeing where I was and seeing where I am now," Mancilla said. "I feel like I have a lot more things in control of myself and my life." |
| UW graduates Jennifer Knox and Gerardo Mancilla Advocating for others By Kiera Wiatrak |
 |
 |
| (Left) Gerardo Mancilla celebrates his graduation;, (Right) Jennifer Knox questions Ward Connerly last December at a hearing on Affirmative Action. |
 |