2019-2020 Holmes Honors Program Recipients

The Chico State Holmes Honors Program supports upper-division undergraduate and post baccalaureate students from historically underrepresented groups interested in a career in teaching, school administration, or the professoriate. The 2019-2020 recipients of this year's program are senior Amanda Widgay (Liberal Studies) and junior Miguel Serafin Manzano Bishop (English Education).

As members of the Holmes community, Amanda and Miguel will have the opportunity to work with a research mentor, propose and implement projects that authentically engages them in advocacy, policy, service, or research that furthers high-quality and equitable education, engage in career exploration, leadership, and professional development workshops and forums, and participate in education conferences or field trips.

We asked Amanda and Miguel about what being in this program means to them. Here's what they had to say.

Amanda:

Amanda Widgay poses on one of Chico State's bridges
(photo courtesy of Jessica Bartlett, University Photographer)

Being a Holmes Scholar is a huge honor. Growing up Black in rural California, I never saw myself and my heritage reflected in any of my teachers or school administrators. Despite this barrier, among others, I have found success in my own education and hope to serve as inspiration for others to do the same.

I am hoping that the opportunity to conduct research in a field I'm interested in helps me take a step into the professional world of education. I am now part of a national organization that connects me to thousands of other young professionals that I can look to for guidance and inspiration in my career.

Miguel:

Miguel Serafin Manzano Bishop poses on one of Chico State's bridges
(photo courtesy of Jessica Bartlett, University Photographer)

Being a part of the Holmes Honors Program is a way to be a part of a community that continues to look for and strive toward true equitable education. It not only validates my own experience as a person of color but comforts me in knowing that the conversations are still on-going and that we are heading towards something better. It means that we as educators and future educators are placing human issues and problems in the forefront of our disciplines.

I'm hoping that this experience will allow me to create the networks and associations with my future peers and colleagues in education and research. I also look forward to being exposed to life-long mentors that will continue to support and guide me as I enter my career as an educator.