College of Arts and Sciences

"I cannot stress enough the importance of not letting the sacrifice your parents made go to waste. Fulfill their dreams. This advice has helped me when I am doubting myself and my ability to achieve my dreams. I think of my family, and every time they made a sacrifice to give me the opportunity to study." – Ashlee Senda, Student

"I decided to come to the UW after participating in the Path to UW seminar during the summer of 2023. During that experience, I met friends for life, felt truly heard and included, and realized that the UW offers the perfect environment for me to grow both personally and academically." – Francine Myles, Student

"You don’t have to have everything already figured out to belong here. You are enough just by virtue of being you. Ask for help, build community, and remember that the path you’re walking honors not just your own story, but the ancestors who made it possible." – CS W. Henry, Student

"When I met my mentors, I knew the UW was the right place for me. It felt like joining a community that not only values research and discovery but also welcomes diversity. Being here has given me the chance to grow as both a scientist and a person." – Laura Quinche, Student

"I remember strolling across the UW campus during my first quarter, treading on crisp autumn leaves, and realizing that I have built a life here that once seemed impossible. I don't say this often, but I am really grateful for how far I have come. For current and future first-gen students — remember, your background is your strength." – Anjali Yadav, Student

"I want to encourage you all to recognize the virtues that come from each of your backgrounds. There is a strength that comes from being first-gen, and I hope that you all can recognize it within yourselves." – Dan Guyer, Student

"Being a first-generation student holds great significance for me, as I am the first in my family to attend the University of Washington. This is a major milestone, and I feel privileged to be part of such an esteemed institution." – Jackie Hernandez, Student

To prepare students for professional success, the UW College of Arts and Sciences offers “gesture,” a mock startup company where student interns gain skills that employers seek. 

To honor his wife and support the college that has meant so much to both of them, former Arts & Sciences dean John Simpson created the Katherine and John Simpson Endowed Deanship. 

"Your education at the UW is an important gateway to opportunities and connections that you might not have otherwise had. The people around you, including your professors, classmates, and mentors, may not look like you or share the same experiences as you, and that is okay. We are all a part of the same UW community. Connect with them to find ways to achieve your goals. Make the most of your time as a Husky." – Alshakim Nelson, Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry

"Decades later, UW feels like home. My goal as a professor is to help all my students feel that same sense of belonging, and to foster a place where they can explore and flourish, no matter the path they took to get here." – Christine Harold, Professor and Chair, Department of Communication

"College is about embracing yourself as a learner, inside and outside of the classroom. Explore different classes, but also explore that intramural sport you've always wanted to try, or go to that club meeting you're shy about. Developing your skills as a community member and a leader are just as important as learning the content to your major." – Jazz Espiritu, Head of Program Affairs, Communication Leadership, Department of Communication

In the College of Arts & Sciences, we are proud to celebrate our first-generation community through a collection of stories! We honor our faculty and staff, and their many contributions to our university community and beyond.

Discovered in Kansas, this clam is already going viral in Seattle.

The next time your phone’s virtual assistant gives you a quick answer instead of nudging you to think harder, remember Andre Ye (Computer Science / Philosophy, 2025). He’s part of a new generation of researchers reimagining how AI supports human thought.