Milestones : A Commencement Chronicle

A graduate receives a degree from the college president

Written by

Michael Ivins

Photos by

Michael Ivins

Read Time

2 Minutes

Holy Cross Magazine shadowed Andrea Nathalia "Nat" Rodas '24 on graduation day to provide an inside look at the experience. A mathematics major from Seattle, Rodas was an active member of HerCampus and the Women in Business Club during her time at Holy Cross. Additionally, she participated in the College's social media influencer program. 

 

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College roommates share a mirror while applying makeup

On the morning of commencement, Rodas gets ready for the day with her roommate, Larissa Nunes '24, left, a sociology major. Nunes and Rodas have been roommates throughout their four years at Holy Cross, residing together in Brooks, Hanselman and Carlin halls and the College townhouses. Later that afternoon, they will move out of their townhouse on College Street but plan to live together in Boston. 

Two graduates walk down the sidewalk with a townhouse behind them.
A woman applies makeup while looking in the mirror
A detail photo of a schedule of chores posted on a fridge.
Roommates sit on opposite sides of the room applying makeup in small mirros
Two woman adjust their hair while looking into a mirror.
A woman adjusts her gown in the mirror with boxes in the foreground.
A woman looks at her reflection after putting on her graduation gown.

Thanks to her, my time at Holy Cross has been immensely fulfilling. Having a best friend to laugh with and share experiences every day has truly made it unforgettable.

Nat Rodas '24
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A woman steps off of a yellow school bus

Rodas and her fellow graduates were provided a fitting mode of transportation for their short trip from Mount St. James to the ceremony at the DCU Center in Worcester, marking their final ride as undergraduates. Thousands of family members and friends awaited their arrival at the arena.

College graduates wait backstage before commencement.
A graduate smiles at her friend backstage
Graduates enter the stadium
A graduate waves to her family in the crowd
A high angle view of commencement exercises at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.
Graduates listen to speakers during commencement
A woman delivers an address to a crowd of college grads
Graduates lined up to receive diplomas.
A student reacts after receiving a diploma

Walking across the stage in my cap and gown, a lifelong dream of mine, filled me with pride.

Nat Rodas '24
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A dad kisses his daughter on the cheek after her graduation

Rodas shares a heartfelt moment with her father, Eduardo, who journeyed from Seattle to witness his daughter's graduation. Originally hailing from Guatemala, Eduardo Rodas embraced the allure of the Pacific Northwest, where he and Nat's mother, Paula, raised her and her younger brother, Alessandro.

Friends pose together with diplomas after graduation
A woman hugs a college graduate.
A graduate hugs her aunt after commencement
A graduate gets a kiss fro her dad after commencement
A family walks out of the building after college graduation.
A family poses together with a college graduate

They always emphasize the importance of education and remind me how fortunate I am to have this opportunity. Their presence made the occasion incredibly special

Nat Rodas '24

 

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A family poses for a photo after a college graduation

Rodas and her immediate family pose for a photo alongside extended family, who journeyed from Guatemala to join in the celebration, before heading to Logan Airport to welcome another cousin flying in from Frankfurt, Germany. Rodas plans to complete an apprenticeship as an analyst at TalentBloom LLC in Seattle before returning to Boston  —and her best friend —  in the fall. 

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