On Tuesday, May 17, 2022, the Dream Centers of Skyline College, College of San Mateo and Cañada College hosted the San Mateo County Community College District’s 4th Annual Migration Celebration. This was the first time the gathering was hosted virtually, and it was wonderful to see campus leadership, administration, faculty, staff and community members come together to celebrate the graduates. The Migration Celebration is a special ceremony that celebrates immigrant, undocumented, mixed-status-family and ally students and honors the special barriers that these students and their families have had to face in their pursuit of higher education.
The evening started with Keynote Speaker, Marithza Quiroz, a graphic artist currently living in the Bay Area. Born and raised in Sonora, Mexico, she migrated to the U.S. with her parents at age 17. She learned English and graphic design through low-cost adult programs in Los Angeles and worked in the printing industry for over 20 years. Marithza’s story exemplifies the passion that comes with learning without accepting the limitations that can be attached to systemic barriers.
After the keynote, each graduating student was able to speak, with many giving thanks to their family, friends, teachers and staff members who supported them in their academic journeys. The evening ended with community members expressing their support and congratulations to the graduates. It was the perfect event to send off graduating students. The District Dream Centers look forward to the 5th Annual SMCCCD Migration next Spring!
Article by Ana Escalante, Martin Marquez and Paola Mora Paredes
