In June 2022, graduating students from the UCLA Luskin Ph.D., master’s and undergraduate degree programs were asked to complete this sentence: “My UCLA Luskin degree means to me …”

… a pathway to achieve social justice.” —Jason A. Plummer, PhD in Social Welfare

… investing back into myself so that I can help support my community.” —Samantha Guerrero, Urban Planning

… I can really go out in the community and make the change that I came to this degree to make.” —Maureen Alam, Public Policy

… that I will have the opportunity to help others in our community and be able to work in different settings and help various populations.” —Louisa Cascione, Social Welfare

… an opportunity to change the world.” —Anette Ramirez Valenzuela, Public Policy

… make a real impact on the world.” —Sarah Perez, Public Affairs

… that I have the tools to go out into communities in Los Angeles and learn from community members themselves in order to create change.” —Delaney Ivey, Public Affairs

… empowerment, for me and my family. I am a first-generation student, so it’s really valuable.” —Margarita Palafox, Social Welfare

… liberation, hope and freedom for my people.” —Taylor Reed, PhD in Social Welfare

… working together to tackle issues and, hopefully, solve them.” —Camille Schaefer, Public Affairs

… a pathway to more opportunities.” —Noe Garcia, Public Affairs

… being of service to others.” —Carlos Hollopeter, Social Welfare

… the ability to just help people. That’s the reason I got into public service in the first place.” —Rasik Hussain, Public Policy

All images derived from video recorded by Michael Troxell