Student Spotlight: Juneau Rich ’24

The Student Spotlight Series is a new feature to highlight Saint Michael’s students’ lives in all corners of campus. Students’ answers have been lightly edited for style and clarity.  

Juneau Rich ’24 (they/them/elle) is from Stillwater, New York, and is majoring in Equity Studies and Education Studies and minoring in Art and Design and Theatre.   

What brought you to Saint Michael’s College? 

Saint Mike’s was originally put on my radar after I had won the Book Award Scholarship my junior year of high school, and the rest was history! Once I visited the school, I instantly fell in love with it. Coming from a small school with a graduating class of 73 students, St. Mike’s provided me with the same tight-knit community that I was familiar with. It was a downpour the first time I visited, but that couldn’t dampen my spirits. I was warmed by all the positive energy the school radiated and felt that this was truly where I belonged!  

Where do people see you on campus?

Juneau Rich

People can see me all over campus! I work at the MakerSpace and am a Wellness Ambassador for Bergeron Wellness (Be Well). I’m also the Co-President of Common Ground our 2SLGBTQIA+ affinity space on campus, and a Co-Captain of the Dance Team! 

What is your favorite thing about the academic experience at St. Mike’s? 

My favorite thing about the academic experience at St. Mike’s is how my programs— in particular Education Studies and Equity Studies— are so focused on teaching the importance of equity, inclusion, and collective liberation. These programs have definitely opened my eyes to injustices, especially in the education system. Through my Education and Equity studies classes I have gained so many skills in terms of assessing my own biases, going beyond the single story of a person, and questioning inequities.  

What is your favorite thing to do on campus? 

My favorite thing to do on campus would have to be a tie between using Makerspace to bring my creative ideas to life and being in the Dance Studio with my amazing teammates! Both allow me to express myself in different ways through the arts!  

How are you hoping your St. Mike’s education will prepare you for the future? 

After graduation, I plan to continue my love and passion for social justice and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEC) work by pursuing a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. My leadership in my extracurriculars, certifications gained through the Undergraduate Professional Endorsements program, and my summer work with Sarah Childs and Choeden Lama in DEC have greatly prepared me and inspired me to seek out Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration programs and further my education. 

If you want to suggest a student to be profiled as part of the Student Spotlight Series, email news@smcvt.edu.