Maxine Reyes

Portrait of Andrew Jimenez

2023 Award: Anthony T. Wadden and Michael B. Herzog Scholarship
Major: English
Minor: Leadership Studies
Hometown: Shoreline, Washington
Extracurricular activities: I love to swim. I used to swim competitively in middle and high school, but now it's become a self-care activity for me. Swimming is the only time I truly feel immersed in my own world, where it's me, myself, and I at peace.

More about Maxine

Future plans:

I want to be the middle or high school English teacher that students go home and rave to their families about. My goal is to empower future generations to celebrate themselves and their unique experiences through the study and creation of storytelling and literature.

How has your major contributed to your professional or personal development?

Studying English Literature and Education at the University has honed my communication, advocacy, and general interpersonal skills with others. Both fields require these three skills in order to be successful, not just for oneself, but for working alongside one's peers. I am grateful for the leadership my professors exhibit.

What has been your proudest or most significant accomplishment during your Gonzaga career?

I'm a part of the Filipino American Student Union (FASU). For the 2022-2023 Academic Year, our annual Barrio Fiesta was named Event of the Year at Gonzaga. This event was the first time I performed a cultural dance, shared my own spoken word piece, and emceed! It was incredibly moving.