07/31/2026
With the end of my final semester at UNM and the completion of my Master of Arts in Art History and Master of Arts in Museum Studies, I’ve found myself reflecting on my graduate school journey.
Over the past three years, I have pushed myself farther than I ever thought possible, achieved goals that once felt out of reach, and grown into the scholar I always hoped to become. While I know there is still so much more to learn and many more goals to pursue, moments like this remind me to pause, look around, and appreciate how far I’ve come.
Growing up in a small Southern town, the art world always felt distant, a place where I wasn’t sure I belonged. Maybe I didn’t at the time, but I have always tried not to let other people’s perceptions or limitations define what I was capable of. Anyone who knows me knows that I firmly believe in choosing your own path. Life is made up of choices, and it is the choices we make every day that shape who we become.
One of my favorite quotes comes from Michelle Obama’s 2018 speech: “Life is practice… you are practicing who you are going to be.” The first time I heard those words, they completely shifted my perspective. I won’t wake up one day as the Head Curator of a nationally recognized museum, but I can practice being that person every day. Through consistent effort, curiosity, and hard work, perhaps one day I will become her. Our daily decisions define us, and nowhere did I learn that lesson more clearly than during my time at UNM. There were moments when life outside of school was anything but easy, but each day I chose to remain committed to my education, my career, and my future. I knew that if I truly wanted the life I envisioned, I had to choose it every single day.
My time at UNM will be remembered not only for my personal and professional growth, but also for the incredible community I found along the way. One of my greatest fears when moving to Albuquerque was leaving behind my support system and not finding a new one. Instead, from my very first days at the UNM Art Museum, I was welcomed with kindness and generosity. The museum quickly became a second home, and the people there became mentors, colleagues, and friends. Having an entire team of museum professionals willing to share their knowledge, encouragement, and guidance made my graduate experience immeasurably richer. I am profoundly grateful to everyone at the UNM Art Museum for their unwavering support throughout these past three years.
Toward the end of my first year, I was given the opportunity to join the Tamarind Institute, an opportunity that ultimately shaped the direction of both of my master's theses. My time at Tamarind introduced me to the collaborative world of lithography, expanded my professional network, and deepened my understanding of printmaking history. It also inspired both of my thesis projects: my Museum Studies exhibition, Tamarind goes global: 1985–2020, co-curated with Dr. Angel Jiang at the UNM Art Museum, and my Art History thesis, West Coast Workshop to Southwest Institute, which examines Tamarind's relocation from Los Angeles, CA, to Albuquerque, NM. Through this work, I had the privilege of interviewing Tamarind master printers, collaborating artists, and the institute's former director, Marjorie Devon. These conversations became some of the most meaningful moments of my graduate career, and I will always be grateful to each person who generously shared their time, knowledge, and experiences with me.
It is hard to believe that my time at UNM has come to an end. Looking back, I leave with far more than two master's degrees. I leave with lifelong mentors, lasting friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a renewed confidence in the path I have chosen. I am deeply grateful to every professor, colleague, mentor, friend, and family member who encouraged me along the way. Thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and helping me become the person and scholar I am today.
📸: STEFAN JENNINGS BATISTA
