On Dec. 15, English Literature Major, Creative Writing Minor and Social Justice reporter for The Racquet Press, Marian Haile graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

“For me, the ups of my college experience here at UWL included meeting amazing people and mentors that made me unafraid to be unapologetically myself and be a leader in my own right. That there is always a support system for me here made up of people from all walks of life. Some downs include the struggle of what it means to be a Black hijabi/Muslim womxn at a PWI, and feeling the need to always be resilient and okay when things were not always ok. However, that’s where my support system comes in, which includes my beautiful family,” said Haile.

“I sought inspiration in the alumni of color and students of color on this campus. I also sought inspiration in professors that were always there for me—especially Dr. Sultzbach and Dr. Parker in the English Department. I also sought inspiration in AJ Clauss in Campus Climate and Thomas Harris in OMSS. Lastly, I sought inspiration in literature—a world of escape and where I learned to empathize with others.” #humansofuwl