Local, or from out-of-state, humanities, education or science major, Adams State inspired these recent outstanding graduates to pursue their passion and accomplish their goals.
Karlee Caballero
Bachelor of Science
Chemistry
Bachelor of Arts
Biology
Gilbert, Ariz.
Cum Laude
“Adams State gave me the opportunity to continue my soccer career and play at a higher level and allowed me to create friendships that will last a lifetime.”
After graduation, Caballero will start a graduate program in forensic science through Oklahoma State University. After completing her master’s degree, Caballero plans to work as a forensic technician at a local police department.
Caballero’s professors made an effort to get to know her and her interests, both academically and personally. “They offered their support in planning my academic path and preparing me for the future.”
Throughout Caballero’s college she received several scholarships and an internship with the Sangre de Cristo Laboratory. She was a lab assistant in the Biology Department and teacher’s assistant in the Chemistry Department.
Caballero graduated debt free in four-and-a-half years.
Her soccer coach was a key source of encouragement and emphasized the importance of balancing academics with athletics and her work-study supervisor showed a genuine interest in her academics.
“Over time, I developed a better understanding of my academic interests, particularly in forensic science, which has helped shaped my career path. Academically, I grew in my ability to think critically and independently. Personally, I am more confident and open to new people and experiences. While I am a little nervous to start the next chapter of my life, I think my growth over the years has prepared me to take on the challenges of graduate school and my future career.”
Nicole Lamendola
Bachelor of Arts
Sociology/Emphasis in Criminology
Minor
Psychology
Taos, New Mexico
Magna Cum Laude
Alpha Kappa Delta
Psi Chi
Lamendola chose Adams State to be close to home. With a variety of degree options and majors, and great student to faculty ratios, Adams State supported her professional goal to become an attorney.
“I intend to become a Title IX lawyer, or going into family law, providing support for the community.”
Lamendola said all her professors were supportive and she developed a close connection with Billy Ulibarri, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology. “Together, with another student, we created a sociology club. We organized two trips to visit prison systems and were active on campus. This is one of my proudest accomplishments. We have been very successful.” She was also a member of the psychology club.
Lamendola received many scholarships and completed an internship at Tu Casa, a local nonprofit. She worked off campus, creating many connections within the community.
Taking heavy course loads and completing college credits as a high school student, helped her graduat in two-and-a-half years with a small amount of student debt.
“I have grown a lot. I took charge of my education and contributed to clubs and organizations throughout campus. I was accepted into the honor society for both my major and my minor and have accomplished a lot over the years. My experience at Adams State confirmed my goals of going to law school, and the support that I have received has inspired me to keep going.”
Cana Myers
Bachelor of Arts
Elementary Education – Literacy
Mosca, Colo.
Magna Cum Laude
“Being from the valley, I wanted nothing more than to try something new and move away for college. However, God had different plans and I grew so much at Adams State. I made some of the deepest friendships I ever had and grew in my faith more than I could ever imagined.
Myers student-taught at Alamosa Trinity Lutheran School and will begin substitute teaching and exploring opportunities for a full-time teaching position. “I am open to going anywhere and am so excited to pursue my love for teaching.”
She appreciates her advisor. “She knew every student so well and cared for them deeply. She went above and beyond to ensure that they had the support and encouragement they needed.”
During college, Myers worked part-time and had an internship with Anchored, a college ministry on campus. She graduated in four-and-a-half years. “I am incredibly grateful to have received many scholarships that helped me graduate debt-free.”
She was active in the campus ministries, the Christian Challenge and Anchored.
“I grew so much in confidence to be who I am and boldness to let it show. I have grown so much in the relationships I built while being here and most of all I have grown in my relationship with the Lord.”
Hame Fotofili Vea
Bachelor of Arts
Sociology/Emphasis in Criminology
East Palo Alto, Calif.
“Being a first-generation Pacific Islander graduate gives me so much pride and honor to be a role model to other Pacific Islander youth coming up and going to college, it is possible, you can do it.”
He appreciates the experiences and the knowledge he obtained through student life and academics at Adams State. “A big shoutout to my professors in the Sociology Department, y’all are truly awesome and I wouldn’t be here without y’all.”
After graduation, Vea begins a paid internship with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources KUPU program saving and protecting endangered species and supporting conservation efforts.
“My professors provided a safe place for me to learn and mess up. This helped me create confidence in myself.” He credits connections with peers with also helping with is success.
Vea’s internship at La Puente Community Shelter, provided experience in the field of social work. He held a work-study job in the Rex Activity Center and was the assistant defensive line football coach this past spring and this fall.
“Connections outside of academics helped me thrive. Being able to have people speak highly of you in the community has been something I have been proud of here at Adams State. This is just a reflection of who I am and who I strive to be as a person.”
Vea graduates in four-years with little student loan debt.
He represented for Pacific Islander students on campus at Adams State and participated in the Black Students Union and the Sociology Club.
“My growth from freshman to senior year is night and day. I came into college as a kid and didn’t understand how to maneuver academics and sports. But now after years of growth, I understand that through trial and error I was able to be resilient and fight past the negativity and
defy the odds. Forever blessed and forever grateful for the opportunity to be able to go to school and thrive.”
