Soleil Garnett

Who Am I?

Bonjou/Bonswa! I was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia with my amazing family and two dogs. As an avid advocate for diversity and multiethnicity, I’m happy to share that my mother is Creole French and my father’s family is Filipino, and I also regularly celebrate my Blackness! I am also a proud first-generation and low-income student. Per my namesake (Soleil = sun in French), I enjoy learning and enjoying the food of my Creole culture, and I pride myself on being a tiny ball of sunshine. In my free time, I love to spend time at my church, outside reading/writing, or crafting at home snuggled with my dogs. I am a homebody, so I love all things cozy (candles, hot chocolate, sleepovers, self-care nights, etc.)! Additionally, my favorite everything is pink, pink, pink!!!

Why Admission?

As a first-generation Black woman, I remember the moment a mentor took me in and showed me her love for our community, for education, and for me. That passion translated into my career’s passion which is focused on child welfare, child development, juvenile justice, and an equitable education advocacy for those in the 6th through 12th grades. What that means is I’m extremely passionate about helping students who want to become college students, and my love stems from knowing how important and impactful my own W&M undergraduate experience was for me.

Why W&M?

You’ll probably hear it all the time, but what really makes W&M great are the people. I knew most people who loved W&M say that this school takes you in and keeps you forever, but because I had always lived in the same city for my entire life, I was extremely doubtful—until graduation day. I realized how much I loved this community, this university, and the opportunities and memories it’s had for me. I am very proud and boldly honest about how I believe W&M will be the best place for students, because it turned out to be the best place for me.

Fun Facts:

• I want to be a Domestic Relations Court judge or GAL attorney someday.
• My middle name is Bleu, which simply means “blue” in French, so I went through a short blue-for-everything phase when I was younger. When I have a favorite color, I go all-out!
• My mommy and I are super close. I love her!!!
• I own 579 books and counting.