On Sunday, Katie Washington, a biological science major from Gary, Ind., graduated from the University of Notre Dame as the first African-American valedictorian in the institution’s 168-year history.
Washington had no intentions of becoming a pioneer at the onset of her undergraduate career. In fact, she entered Notre Dame questioning her ability as a product of Gary Public Schools to compete at such a selective institution, despite having been valedictorian of her class at West Side High School. Her only goal, she said, was to do her best.
But, as classmates began dropping out of the rigorous program, she also needed to overcome the feeling of isolation that set in, a sentiment often experienced by students of color pursuing STEM degrees at predominately White institutions.
With the help of her family and the larger Notre Dame community, Washington persevered and she encourages other minority students to seek the help they need to persist.
“When I opened myself up to people, I found that my professors were beyond willing to help me. They have gone beyond anything I would have thought to ask for,” said Washington, adding that she found wonderful professors, great mentors and a strong sense of community at Notre Dame.
Days before delivering her valedictory remarks, Washington said she felt nervous about the address.
“Everybody is waiting on this moment,” she told Diverse, “and I’m just as excited as everybody else. Graduation is exciting, but the future is filled with lots of uncertainties. The speech is about how we can put our anxieties to rest and continue learning and growing.”
