Noelle Phillips
Bachelor of Arts: Justice, Community, and Leadership: General
Minor
Ethnic Studies & Law and SocietyHonors
Cum Laude
Minor: Law and Society
Michael Esquivel-Cheung
Bachelor of Arts: Politics
Minor
Law and SocietyHonors
Cum Laude
Hometown
San Francisco, CaliforniaMy Greatest Supporters
My greatest supporters were my family and friends. I don't know where I would be if I didn't have my family support from my parents Edward and Anna, my brother Alexander, and my grandmother Carmen. While I didn't start this journey with my current friends, I'm glad I'm finishing this journey with them. Shoutout to Darren, Colin, Justin, Jynelle, Janelle, Eddie, Seb, Marcus, Garrick, & Austin.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
The many late nights I spent with my friends hanging out in the De La Salle lobby, the dorms, or on Ascot. Also my study abroad to Mexico with many of my friends was unforgettable.
My Next Chapter
I will be pursuing my J.D. at the University of San Francisco School of Law for the next three years. I plan to use what I have learned from both SMC and USF to enter a law career in either Criminal Justice or possibly intellectual property.
Clubs and Activities
1. Gael Gaming2. APASA
3. Law Club
4. Intramural Soccer
Favorite Quote
“It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.”
Melissa Goan
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology & Women's and Gender Studies
Minor
Law and SocietyHonors
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown
Santa Rosa, CAMy Greatest Supporters
My greatest supporters were my parents, professors, mentors, college roommate of three years, Noelle, and my partner, Bryan. Thank you for believing in me and being here every step of the way. Your love and generosity has been such a gift, and I couldn't ask for a better support system.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
My favorite memories are the ones when I felt most connected to the Saint Mary's, Bay Area, and global communities. I loved being a part of 8pm, student-led liturgies and supporting cultural nights on campus. I grew the most serving as a MICAH Summer Fellow, living in Alameda, and I found my vocation while participating in Lasallian Service Internship in the Philippines.
My Next Chapter
For the past two months, I've been serving as the Cal OES Statewide Coordination and Technical Assistance Project Manager at the Child Abuse Prevention Center in Sacramento. I am excited to be doing work that aligns with my interests in violence prevention, advocacy, and social justice, and I am thankful to be employed, despite all the uncertainties of the pandemic. Onward and upward!
Clubs and Activities
Honors Program and CommissionMission and Ministry Center
CILSA
Collegiate Seminar Program and Governing Board
Center for International Programs (January Term Abroad)
Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology Honors Society)
Liberal Arts Bridge Ambassador
Office of Community Life
Student Coalition Against Abuse and Rape
One Love Campus Ambassador
Peer Advocates for Wellness
Favorite Quote
"May the spirit of love instill honesty and integrity in our hearts forever"
Jessenia Pastran
Bachelor of Arts: Politics
Minor
Law and SocietyHonors
Magna Cum Laude
Hometown
Stockton, CaliforniaMy Greatest Supporters
My greatest supporters have been my mom, dad, brother, and grandmother. They are the first ones I have to thank. Some other supporters I have to thank have been my childhood best friend, Joana, and my friends from SMC like Odaliz, Maile, and Sarahi, and many others. Thank you all for your love and support, especially when I doubted myself all those times.
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
Living on campus with my suitemates in Ageno East and the late-night food runs during the weekdays and the fun weekend trips to San Francisco. I also won't forget the many times the fire alarm would randomly go off and how everyone in the building would all have to wait outside, and how we would all laugh. I'll remember that forever.
My Next Chapter
I plan on starting my internship at the Stockton Younger Women's Task Force in their public relations department. I also plan on applying to law schools in the Fall to hopefully achieve my dream of being a sports attorney in the future.
Clubs and Activities
Saint Mary's Honors ProgramPhi Kappa Phi
The National Society of Leadership and Success
Peer Advocates in Wellness
Favorite Quote
“I attribute my success to this – I never gave or took any excuse.”
Julian Zepeda
Bachelor of Arts: Integral Liberal Arts
Minor
Law and SocietyHometown
San Francisco, California
Giselle Espinola-Jimenez
Bachelor of Arts: Philosophy
Minor
Law and SocietyHonors
Cum Laude
Hometown
Monterey, CaliforniaMy Greatest Supporters
My family, especially my mom and brother. Their unwavering faith in me has led me to achieve so many dreams. I do it all for them!
My High Potential family, Sharzad, and Jenee. Being first generation has become my superpower thanks to HP.
My best friends and my team who always push me to be my best self.
I love you all, thank you for sharing this moment with me!!!
My High Potential family, Sharzad, and Jenee. Being first generation has become my superpower thanks to HP.
My best friends and my team who always push me to be my best self.
I love you all, thank you for sharing this moment with me!!!
Favorite Saint Mary's Memory
Living with my dog Stoney and having all my friends constantly over to visit her. Having people "babysit" her while I was at work or taking her to APASA meetings, it was so fun to constantly be surrounded by my favorite people! I also loved working at the Center for Women and Gender Equity, I discovered so many of my passions being there. I love the bonds I made at Saint Mary's.
My Next Chapter
I will be attending New England Law | Boston for my Juris Doctor degree. I am blessed to accept admission to their Sandra Day O'Connor Honors program with a full tuition offer. My goal is to use the law for social change and I am interested in immigration, civil rights and public interest law.
Clubs and Activities
High Potential ProgramHermanas Club
APASA
Law Club
Philosophy Club
Study Abroad Rome
Center for Women & Gender Equity
SMC Stunt team
Favorite Quote
"To make life a little better for people less fortunate than you, that's what I think a meaningful life is. One lives not just for oneself but for one's community."
Damian Cortez
Bachelor of Arts: Integral Liberal Arts & Philosophy
Minor
Law and SocietyHometown
Vacaville, California