Each year, UC Davis chooses a graduating senior to receive its University Medal—effectively, the top student from a class that includes many thousands of accomplished students. Today we talk with 2020 medalist Jumana Esau, who grew up in the Bay Area and Jordan, about the award, why she studies climate fiction, the value of her English degree, her work for refugees, the practical power of a good story, and what she’ll take with her from Davis when she leaves.