Student Advice

One of UW President Robert J. Jones’ goals is to make the UW a place where every Washington student might graduate debt-free. UW Magazine articulates how that goal could be in reach, thanks to a combination of federal financial aid, state support, institutional grants, scholarships, and students showing their trademark Husky tenacity and work ethic. You can read the story, which features profiles of students from all three UW campuses, here.

Elissa Khodikian, a graduate student in the Department of Biology, researches how certain mosquito species adapt to saline environments in the Pacific Northwest. Originally from Lebanon and later studying in Canada, Elissa came to UW to continue her research under Dr. Andrea Durant. Her story highlights her passion for evolutionary biology and the important role mentorship as well as community have played in shaping her experience at UW.

The benefits of learning more languages go far beyond the positive classroom experience; there are substantial advantages in your career and personal life. Previous scholarship has demonstrated that bilingual job candidates have up to a 35% increase in job opportunities.

Lydia Berhanu is her own mentor. That’s not to say the University of Washington senior didn’t grow up in a supportive household (she did) or wasn’t surrounded by supportive educators (she was). But when it comes to illuminating her path forward, she’s been the one holding the flashlight.

“I have found the Jackson School to be a very welcoming and supportive community for transfer students,” Goodman-Callender said. “When I first transferred, I was nervous about finding a sense of belonging at UW, but I have found nothing but support and encouragement from the faculty, advisors, and my peers in the Jackson School …"

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

Launched in Spring of 2025, the pilot season includes seven episodes – each featuring a School of Art + Art History + Design alum in conversation with host Liz Copland.

The Office of Global Affairs features Antonia Romana Zito for the Global Visionaries series. Antonia is a senior double-majoring in International Studies and History in the College of Arts & Sciences. Antonia was recognized as a 2025 Husky 100 and is passionate about advocating for migrants and refugees, being trilingual, and making a global impact.

Salma Rashwan, ’26, is majoring in psychology and education. Through the Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center's work in tribal and rural partnerships, she’s combining her academic work with her commitment to communities and kids and is a student leader in the Alternative Spring Break program.

This summer, 14 European reporters came to the U.S. to study the art of narrative journalism with Lauren Kessler, senior affiliate professor of communication. The two-week intensive workshop was sponsored by Forum for Journalism and Media, a Vienna-based nonprofit dedicated to the continued education of working journalists, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Vienna, and hosted by the UW Department of Communications.

A list of 10 recommended road trips in Washington state includes the UW Planetarium. Andy Tzanidakis, a doctoral student in astronomy at the UW and student director of the planetarium, is quoted. Coach Jedd Fisch also is quoted about open-to-the-public football practices beginning April 2.

Holly Barker, a University of Washington teaching professor of anthropology, and three current members of the UW football team â Ulumoo Ale, Makell Esteen and Faatui Tuitele â are studying how the skills they develop to maximize their chances of victory on the field have applications outside the stadium. Their work, which is ongoing, is showing that the research methods and analytical abilities of student-athletes are applicable in academic and research settings, as well as jobs in a variety of fields.

"College freshmen read a New York Times Magazine piece about issues in education, then communicate what they learned by experimenting with audience and format," writes Megan Butler, a doctoral student of English at the UW.

"Stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the challenges of being a first-generation college student allowed me to leave a strong mark in the Husky community. I am grateful for the experiences and people I encountered along the way. I look forward to continuing my journey in the world of journalism – uncovering and sharing the stories that matter the most." – Reneé Diaz (B.A. Communication: Journalism and Public Interest Communication, 2023)

"My first-gen college experience has inspired my approach to my level of research, work, and connection with this campus along with students and faculty by encouraging me to always go above and beyond what is expected and become eager to learn new things at any moment." – Pedro Caballero, College of Arts & Sciences student majoring in both Political Science and Public Health.