Saralyn Hormachuelos Santos
UW Honors Graduates
Saralyn Hormachuelos Santos

Informatics: Human-Computer Interaction
Designation: Interdisciplinary Honors
Honors Grads 2017/2018
Proudest Moment: Performing with Sayaw and FASA sa UW at the Centennial Gala, celebrating 100 years of Filipino and Filipino American organizations at the University of Washington.
saralynsantos@gmail.com“Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa paroroonan.” Throughout my college career, I've quoted this saying by Jose Rizal so many times I've lost count. Literally, it translates to "One who does not know how to look back at where they came from will never reach their destination." But the simpler translation I prefer to use is "No history, no self; know history, know self."
Going into college, I had a tenuous connection to my own Filipino history and culture. When I was a first-year, though, I was lured into a Filipino American Student Association meeting with the promise of free mango ice cream. From there, I grew significantly. I learned my history: about the circumstances that brought my family to the United States and the people who fought for the rights and privileges I have today. I learned about myself: about my likes, dislikes, my leadership style, and what I wanted to do with my life. I spent three years as a FASA officer, serving as historian, secretary, and Sayaw coordinator. I got into the Informatics program, and used the history I had learned to inform the projects I undertook.
As I conclude my time at the University of Washington, I can proudly say that I know my history, and I know myself. I know how to look back at where I came from, and I am grateful for all the love and support that helped me to get where I am today. And although my destination is unclear at the moment, I have no doubt that I am equipped with the tools I need to reach it.