海角社区

President鈥檚 Award Recipient: Samuel Lynch听

Samuel Lynch found his way to Metropolitan State University of Denver after moving to Colorado from Montana with his now-fianc茅e. An outdoor enthusiast, he鈥檚 a volunteer EMT with the Highland Rescue Team Ambulance District, providing prehospital care and patient transport in stressful situations.听听

As a student, Lynch has added even more hats: student representative in the Department of Nursing, teaching assistant in anatomy and physiology classes,听undergraduate research assistant to David Merriam, Ph.D., assistant professor of Biology. In the lab, he investigated the immune system鈥檚 response to tuberculosis vaccines, earning a mini-grant and presenting his work at the University鈥檚 Undergraduate Research Conference.听

Volunteerism and community service have also been part of Lynch鈥檚 journey 鈥� a result, he said, of his commitment to those who face systemic barriers to health care. 鈥淚鈥檓 Hispanic, and as somebody who has those language skills, I have a certain responsibility to use those in a way that鈥檚 going to benefit people who might not have access to culturally competent care,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s a nurse and health care听worker, I think we have a duty to advocate for our patients 鈥� not just for their health, but in everything we do.鈥� 听

After graduation, he plans to work in community health or emergency nursing.听听

Lynch credits the ability to be present in the moment for his current success. A devoted backpacker and fly fisher, he uses the peace he finds outside to help him serve others under pressure. 鈥淲e get some pretty intense calls,鈥� he said. 鈥淭aking the time to ground yourself before going in is important.鈥澨�听

When asked how he鈥檒l use his expertise and award, Lynch responded with characteristic modesty: 鈥淚 want other people to take my story and feel inspired and empowered to help out in their own community.鈥澨�听

Provost鈥檚 Award Recipient: Meidi Reyes听

As Meidi Reyes pondered what to do after high school, she wondered where she belonged. Born in Mexico, she had been in the United States since age 5 and was undocumented. Reyes watched her documented friends pursue opportunities that were closed off to her because of her immigration status.听听

But she also found allies and support at Metropolitan State University of Denver. When she couldn鈥檛 get a job at the orientation office because of her status, she said, 鈥淭hey created an internship position for me.鈥� It鈥檚 just one example of how the University 鈥渉as gone above and beyond to ensure students like me are seen, valued and included.鈥澨�听

Along the way, Reyes decided to focus on language justice. With the support and encouragement of her friends, family and school community, she kept pushing, maintaining a 3.93 GPA, attending the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators conference and serving as president of the Spanish Club.听听

Another inspiration? Reyes鈥� mother, who brought her to the United States along with her siblings after their father was killed in Mexico. 鈥淪he completely gave up her life for us,鈥� Reyes said. 鈥淚 just want to do everything I can to pay it back to her 鈥� I know that seeing me succeed makes everything worth it for her.鈥�听

What鈥檚 next for Reyes? 鈥淚鈥檒l be substitute teaching from January to May, and in August I鈥檒l be doing my first year of teaching,鈥� she said. 海角社区 is in her future, too, as she pursues a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction.听听

And she鈥檒l be doing it with documentation. 鈥淚 recently became documented,鈥� she said. As she reflects on that shift in her identity, she said, she feels inspired to help others. 鈥淚鈥檓 really proud,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t has made me who I am.鈥澨�听