The Prothro Theater at UT's Harry Ransom Center was filled to capacity on the evening of May 21 as 19 students were honored for successfully completing two semesters of rigorous coursework in literature, history, rhetoric, creative writing, and humanities.

With the audience cheering enthusiastically for each student who crossed the stage to receive a medal, there was no question that the graduates were the stars of this show. Amidst the celebration, students also took stock of their experience in Free Minds and reflected on how far they have come in nine short months.

Elected student speaker, Jarmesha Harris, mused on how the class challenged her to think more deeply. "After answering a question or giving our thoughts in discussion, the professor always asked if we could go a little further with that, forcing us to expand our minds" she said. Stacey Kennedy read a powerful original poem rebuking fear, which you can read on our blog. Graduate Debora Otero modeled the collaborative nature of Free Minds by performing a song that she had adapted from the writing of fellow student Rachel Caballero.

The class of 2012 is the fifth group to graduate from the program and also the largest in Free Minds' history, boasting a 90% retention rate. More than half of the graduates plan to enroll in college, some beginning classes as early as this summer. The festivities on Monday evening offered students a moment to bask in the pride of their accomplishment before jumping back into the fray. As graduate Sandy Smith so aptly put it, "We made it. Thank God we made it."

Asked what advice she'd give graduates who are transitioning to college, Lucia Williams, Free Minds '11, didn't hesitate: "Take your time selecting your classes. If you're taking two classes, pair one that requires heavy paper writing with one that won't be as time consuming. Talk to your advisor-they're there to help. Remember the people you can lean on."

Graduates would be advised to take Lucia's recommendations seriously. One year after finishing Free Minds, Lucia is 24 hours into her associate's degree at ACC, and she couldn't be more excited about her educational trajectory. She enjoyed her recent classes in history and sociology, and says that when she looks at her degree plan, "I now see all kinds of classes that I'm really interested in, so I know that I'm headed in the right direction." This summer she's "super-stoked" about taking a class in theater and finishing up her math sequence.

Her enthusiasm for education extends to her son Caleb, who turns four in July. Instead of just sending him to the closest school for pre-K, Lucia did her homework. "I looked around and checked the school ratings," she said. "I want him to go to school and feel excitement." She enrolled him in several lotteries, and he was offered a space in a Two-way Immersion Dual Language Program beginning this fall. "I didn't forget how important opportunities are starting at an early age," she said.