First-gen graduate: Writing is ‘about being in conversation with others’ (opens in new tab)

Arizona State University student Emerson “Sheyla” Amaya is a first-generation graduate who didn’t just “do” the work for their degree — they crushed it.Chosen as The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Medalist in English for spring 2026, Amaya is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English (creative writing) with a 4.12 grade-point average. They will begin an ASU Online master’s degree in secondary education with teaching certification in fall 2026.