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2012 Commencement Stories

Searching for the Perfect Wave & Story

May 10, 2012

My name is Krista Acosta and I came across this page right in time for graduation. Thought I’d share my special story. Back in 1983 my father, Charles Acosta, graduated from Humboldt State University as a Biology major.

His parents/my grandparents were dispersed throughout the country and sadly enough no one was able to attend his commencement ceremony, thus he decided not to walk. Thereafter my dad joined the Peace Corps where he served in a rural Honduran community. In the community in which he served in he met my mother, Leyla Acosta, and years later had me.

Interestingly enough, I ended up attending Humboldt State University in 2007, and on the 12th of this month graduated as a Spanish major. During my years in Humboldt county it was nice to be able to call home and talk about the plaza with my dad, good fishing places he once fished, Wildberries, and the list goes on. This town and university has so many cherished memories between us both.

Months before I applied for graduation I thought it would be neat to have my dad walk alongside me since his family wasn’t able to make his graduation and he has played such a tremendous part in my success here. Now years later, he has a beautiful wife, and 2 daughters (one being me), who are proud of his accomplishments and will be present celebrating not only my graduation but also his back in 1983. It’s never to late! :) Funny enough upon graduating I, too, look forward to joining the Peace Corps in August and will be serving in the Dominican Republic. I look forward to walking alongside my father and celebrating both our graduations ’83 & ’12.
- Krista Acosta
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I am 19 years old, and this May (2012), I will be graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. I have lived in Humboldt County for seven years, and I consider myself a local. During the two years that I have attended HSU, I have developed a wide variety of interests. I volunteer at a doctor’s office and at St. Joseph’s Hospital. I am participating in research under the guidance of a professor. I’m also pursuing a private pilot’s license. It has long been an interest of mine to become a doctor. One day I would like to come back to practice medicine in Humboldt County.
- Julia Prokesova
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My name is Philip de Roulet and I will be graduating with my B.A. in Music as a Vocal Performance this year. I have been accepted into the Graduate program at the University of Northern Colorado to continue studying Opera and Music Theatre for at least the next two years! Also, I was accepted into their summer program where they will be taking a number of students to Europe to connect with a touring opera company called “Opera Classica Europa” which will be touring around Germany performing Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” and in France performing Massenet’s famous opera, “Manon.”

I am incredibly excited to work at the next level of dedication and to have such wonderful opportunities open in front of me right out of my undergrad, and I hope to make everyone at Humboldt State very proud!
- Philip de Roulet
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I will receive a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology at the graduation ceremony in May. It has been my dream for many years. It has taken longer than usual because I am a single mom raising two small children.

I have always been interested in fitness. It is the No. 1 priority in my life. For many years I was a ski instructor and on the Ski Patrol in Crested Butte, Colo. I also led conditioning training programs before the season started.

Since I have started the Master’s Degree program I have continued my life’s goal of staying fit. I ran three marathons and three half marathons. I taught yoga, which kept me fit and limber at College of the Redwoods, to help support my two children and myself. I want them to be healthy from the start. I have taken them often to the swimming pool in Arcata.

I try to make every part of my life geared to fitness. Several days a week I use my bike as transportation to take my son to nursery school. The school is six miles from home. If I am in Arcata or Eureka I park my car far from where I am going and walk the distance. My four-year-old son loves walking with mommy.

I know this degree will provide me with the financial security I need in my future life.

Oh yes, my last name is Richmond the same as our president. I see this as a good omen. We are not related but we probably have the same ancestral home in England.

I urge the president and my fellow graduates to make fitness part of their lives.
- Catherine Bradley Richmond