Latina graduate goes viral for speech in Spanish at UC Berkeley

A video on social media where a Latina graduate from UC Berkeley makes a speech in Spanish has gone viral. 

In the speech, Arisay Martinez honors the immigrant community and the sacrifices they have made for their children to pursue higher education. 

“Today we break cycles,” Martinez said. “Maybe we are the first to cross this stage, but we will not be the last. We were born from dreams that crossed borders. And if our parents taught us something, it is that sacrifices are never in vain, and sooner or later they bear fruit.”

Martinez majored in legal studies and minored in education. Her parents are from Guerrero, Mexico. 

She said her motivation to write this speech came from her experiences as the eldest daughter of immigrant parents and first generation graduate, as well as the current political climate. 

"In the midst of ice raids, criminalization, and the lack of acknowledgement for the immigrant community during these times it felt like my responsibility to address it," Martinez said about her speech. "In a country that oftentimes forgets its own migration history, I wanted my speech to be more than the celebration of an academic accomplishment. It was meant to be a form of visibility, acknowledgement, and a way to truly thank those who sacrificed so much to get us where we are. I proudly represent two flags, and symbolize the American Dream that our immigrant parents work so hard to create for us in the land of opportunity. I knew that it would be perfect for my Latinx/Chicanx commencement, all of my peers resonated one way or another."

In her speech, she says about immigration: “Let’s not forget that this country does not prosper without the work of our immigrant community, which is sadly exploited and they take advantage of our people. But I want to be very clear that our value does not come from our work nor from what we produce, but from our culture, community and the love we share.”

The video on social media ends with Martinez giving an encouraging message for graduates. “Now more than ever, our unity is our strength and that’s why today we celebrate all the future lawyers, doctors, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs and professionals who will carry the responsibility of continuing to fight for a better future,” she said. “Remember that our achievements are also the achievements of our people. To my colleagues, we are the testament of the greatest dreams of our parents. Never forget where you come from. And carry your roots with pride.”

You can see the 2025 UCB Chicanx Latinx Graduation and her full speech on YouTube. Martinez is introduced in minute 1:26:35.