Congratulate Resident Scholar Mychal Pagan on completing his degree at NYU!

It is with tremendous joy that we announce that Ignacio House resident scholar Mychal Pagan has completed his degree at NYU! This past month, Mychal rounded out his studies, successfully completing his capstone colloquium where he presented on his course of study over these past several years. Reflecting on this milestone and his academic journey, Mychal offered the following words of reflection:

When I started college, I didn't have a specific goal to become an expert in any particular subject. For me, it was about something different. I wanted to cultivate and develop a deep curiosity for people and life and unlearn all the things that might be holding me back. Going to school was my way of making that happen. Back in 2019, I joined the NYU prison education program, and that's where things really started to change. You might think of prison as a place of punishment and confinement, which it is but for me, it was where I discovered my personal agency. With every class, every assignment, I developed an ownership over my past and future. This bachelor of arts degree means a lot to me, but not just because of the diploma itself. It is a symbol of my hard work and my never-give-up attitude and all the things I was able to achieve throughout my educational journey. The internships, the fellowships, the projects that put me out into the world, the opportunities to travel to Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and to live in Madrid. The documentaries I produce, the publications I was a part of. The diploma is proof of how far I’ve come, of how much I’ve done over this four year span. Every day was a step closer to my goal: to become a force for good in the world, to grow as a servant leader, to use my skills in service of others, and to finish what I started.  

Finally, in 2023, my journey has reached its peak – graduation. As much as I want to say it feels amazing; I honestly don’t know how to feel; I’ve never been here before! I’ve spent the last few days stuck in bed just reflecting on the journey and just thinking, with deep gratitude, about how much I’ve grown. I have become a new person, which is proof that education isn't just about getting a piece of paper. It's a journey of self-discovery and growth. As I wait for the spring to put on my cap and gown, I know this isn’t the end; it is another fresh start, full of promise and potential. My story is a reminder that no matter how tough the road, how distant the goal, or how big the dream, when you're determined to grow and learn, there's no limit to what you can achieve.

We are so proud of everything Mychal has achieved. Join us in congratulating him as he embarks on this next chapter in his journey!