UCR College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Congratulations to Bryce Clomera (he/him), History!

Hometown: Redondo Beach, CA 🏠

Fave emoji: 😂

Hobbies:
My favorite hobby is travel, I love going to new places and experiencing new things. Whether it is camping in Mojave or walking the streets of Rome. There’s so much out there to discover.

Who inspires you?
The person that aspires me the most is my grandmother, she worked in education from a classroom teacher to a principal. She’s always the first person to ask me about my class and assignments. Then she’s always giving me advice or telling me a story about her educational journey and career.

Orgs/Clubs:
I was constantly in the Veteran Resource Center. Hanging out with military-affiliated students. Playing cards, watching movies, different presentations, and studying.

Self-Discovery:
I discovered a work life balance. In community college during the semester all I did was work and school, there was very little time for things I enjoyed. At UCR I made time for family, friends and me. I was able to travel, go to different events and enjoy life more.

Advice:
FIND YOUR PEOPLE, there’s a network of people out there that will support you through your time at UCR, find them. Clubs, work, volunteering, or resource centers. They’re there for you to find a place. Make time for you and enjoy your time in school, it doesn’t last forever.

Post-Grad Plans:
I was accepted into the West Texas A&M Panhandle Alternative Certification for Educators(PACE) where I will be taking Post-Baccalaureate courses, doing classroom observations and studying for state exams for 7-12 Social Studies Teacher Certification. Once those courses are complete and I pass the state exams. I can enter into my first year teaching hopefully by next Winter. Once that’s done I’m looking at a Master’s in Education Leadership at Texas Tech University or staying at West Texas.

Congrats to our CHASS student employees who graduated yesterday with the Class of 2026! These are some of our team members who made CHASS events magical, and our social media and marketing shine on the screen. We’re so proud of all of you! CHASS fam forever.

And thank you to the student crew who covered commencement yesterday to document the special day for all of our graduates.🎓

Congratulations to Maryelese Valencia (She/Her/Ella), Sociology!

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA 🏠

Fave emoji: 💙

Hobbies:
Cruising my 1964 wagon, spending time with family and friends, and listening to music is my reset button. After a week of homework, papers, or exams, this part is when I can relax and get ready for the next challenge.

Who inspires you?
My family inspires me the most; if I can show them that I can achieve these goals, it sets them up for the future for a positive pathway.

Student orgs/clubs:
& -- Working with incoming transfer students as a Transfer Ambassador and assisting them with campus resources.

-- Connecting with Chicano student programs for Semana de la Mujer, Bienvenida, and Chicano Latino Year-End Celebration, displaying lowriders.

-- Participating in campus events, panels, and advocating for system-impacted and formerly incarcerated students.

Self-discovery at UCR:
My voice matters, my ideas matter, and I belong here!

Advice:
Ask questions, meet with your professors, T.A.'s, and academic advisors. Walk around campus to discover various student programs and resources. Don't be afraid to talk to people and make new friends.

Post-grad plans:
Attending the master's program at the UCR School of Public Policy!

It's always great to see CHASS alumni!

Makary Awad (Psychology, Class of 2022), attended CHASS graduation today for his little sister. He ran into Dean Daryle Williams in the parking lot and shared a selfie from 2022 at his own graduation, and then got a new picture today.