Inspiring Paths of Three University of Washington Graduates

Simon Njoroge will be the first in his family to graduate from college when he crosses the stage and earns his degree in mechanical engineering from UW Tacoma. But this achievement came about through a serendipitous accident.

Originally from Kenya, Simon came to Seattle with dreams of becoming a pilot. Life, however, charted a different course.

“I will always see this as a blessing in disguise,” says Simon.

Intending to walk into a physics class, Simon accidentally ended up in an engineering class due to the floor number confusion. By the time he realized the mix-up, the professor had already begun teaching.

“I just kept quiet and paid attention, so I could pretend like I was part of the class,” Simon explains.

As he listened, he found himself captivated by the subject matter, particularly the calculations predicting structural failures.

“That’s how I ended up going into mechanical engineering,” he says.

Since that accidental appearance, Simon has taken advantage of every opportunity he could get his hands on. He mentored fellow immigrant students in science and engineering, helped classmates refine their resumes, and will graduate as a published researcher. He even improved his English by committing to speak with five new people each day.

But there were some speedbumps along the way. In Kenya, Simon always submitted assignments on paper. For his first English essay in the U.S., he handed in handwritten pages, only to be asked to type and print them as other students had done.

“I had never used a laptop like that before, and it took me 48 hours typing with two fingers to type it all out,” he recalls.

But he credits the patience and generosity of professors, advisors, and classmates who helped him navigate the challenges. And for graduation, Simon’s parents will be flying in from Kenya to help celebrate, along with many of Simon’s new friends and family from Seattle’s Kenyan diaspora community.

So, was this all a happy accident or destiny?

“My dad always makes a joke and say no matter how hard you try to run away from your destiny, it will always chase you. You’ll never get away from it.”

Simon intends to use his skills to make an impact.
“I just feel like I’ve been tasked accomplishing what those come before me in my family have not been able or have not been fortunate enough to accomplish because I believe if given the same opportunity they could have made an impact.”

After getting his diploma from the UW, Simon will be going into the healthcare construction field, helping to build new medical facilities.

Brandon Cain arrived at the University of Washington with a vision of pursuing a degree in pre-law or business. Yet, by his second year on campus, he felt a nagging sense of unfulfillment that prompted a deep self-reflection about his true passions.

“I felt like I wasn’t going to be fulfilled,” Brandon recalls, reflecting on his early academic aspirations.

During his time of trying to find purpose, Brandon had the opportunity to tour China with fellow music students in the UW Wind Ensemble, broadening his horizons and deepening his love for music.

Determined to find the path that resonated with his heart, he began to consider what truly brought him happiness. “Music has always given me joy,” he shares, “playing in bands and being around people.” Realizing his passion for music extended beyond personal joy, Brandon decided to switch his major to music education—to one day be able to mentor and guide others.

Immersing himself in the university’s vibrant music scene, Brandon played jazz with the UW Studio Jazz Ensemble, and joined the Husky Marching Band, where he marched first trumpet. His dedication and talent soon earned him the role of staff assistant for the marching band, a position that allowed him to serve the program and conduct on the field. His musical journey at UW was marked by unforgettable experiences, such as traveling to Houston with the Huskies as they competed for the Bowl Championship Series trophy.

“The national championship is as big as it gets for marching bands, and getting to do that was crazy. Marching on the biggest stage of college football was awesome,” he says.

While these opportunities enriched his college experience, the most significant impact of his musical pursuits was uncovering his career path. His motivation & drive paved the way for him to serve in the role of student conductor for a quarter with the university’s symphonic band.

Brandon wrapped up his time in the music education program through fulfilling his student teaching requirement at Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie, an experience he describes as “incredible.”

“Quite frankly, this is one of the best band programs in the state,” he says gratefully.

Brandon’s dedication and hard work paid off when he secured a full-time role as the band director at Bonney Lake High School, a coveted position in the competitive field of music education.

“Coming out of the gate like this, I feel incredibly blessed and grateful. I couldn’t have done this without my mentors at the university and in the UW School of Music.”

Reflecting on his time at UW, Brandon offers sage advice for future Huskies:

“My Husky experience has been a blast, and my number one advice to others is just to get involved.”

Beyond music, Brandon served as president of his fraternity, mentored children on the autism spectrum, was part of the Harry the Husky mascot team that placed 4th at the UCA National Mascot Competition in Florida, joined RSOs such as the UW Snow Club, and more. Brandon earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, a Bachelor of Arts in Music, a minor in ELS (Education, Learning, & Society), a Husky Leadership Certificate, and was recognized with numerous local, national, and international awards levels.

Every step of Brandon’s journey made him fall deeper in love with the UW community.

“I’m going to miss it when I cross the stage,” he admits, “But I’m also so ready for the next chapter.”

College opened a lot of new doors for Antonia Dorn. Not just professionally… it opened up a world to her own heritage.

This year she graduates with her master’s degree in education from UW Bothell and it’s been quite the journey.

“I started my Husky Experience as a first generation, low-income Filipina-American student seeking to understand the world around me,” she explains. In middle and high school, Antonia says she felt unseen and underrepresented.

“I think I read about the Philippines once in high school. I just never felt like I belonged anywhere.”

Antonia says her mother had to assimilate into American culture. So, growing up, they didn’t speak Ilocano or Tagalog (native languages of the Philippines) or cook traditional foods in their home.

Early in her undergraduate years at UW in Seattle, Antonia thought she wanted to be a physical therapist. She says that didn’t feel right either. She sought the opportunity to learn more about her culture in an effort to learn more about her roots.

“I started seeking out Filipino History Classes and took some courses in Tagalog.”

She kept expanding her knowledge towards the importance of prioritizing cultural learning experiences. When her sister enrolled at the UW, the even took some of these classes together.

“This put me on a full trajectory towards learning about things missing in our family, and things I don’t want my children missing out on in the future.”

Antonia says her mother was grateful to see her embracing their ancestry.

“My mom said, ‘I’m so proud that you are taking pride in our culture and learning about it because I never really got the chance to.’”

Antonia got a student staff position working with the advisors and academic counselor who helped her classmates navigate and plan their college experience.

“Through working there, I found support to explore what I wanted to do professionally longer term,” says Antonia.

Antonia was inspired to make classrooms trusting and safe spaces, particularly for people who may feel left at the margins. Rethinking what classes and education systems can look like. She decided on the Critical Educational Change and Leadership (CECL) Masters Degree at UW Bothell.

“I feel like I can do something now that follows my heart calling. I’m now in this space more equipped and feels like my brain muscles of been flexed,” Antonia says.

In the future, Antonia wants to help other students find greater access to language and cultural learning opportunities.

Antonia has been working on an intricate hand-applied traditional Filipino tattoo on her arm that represents unique elements of her heritage and personality. There are snake tongues that represent listening and seeking knowledge, repeating scales because Antonia identifies as a family protector, and a Kappi crab pattern that represents the seafaring and nomadic nature of her ancestors.

“I am honoring my story, my upbringing, and what my family has sacrificed for me to be here,” she explains.