UCLA College Class of 2023: Student Stories

Congratulations to all of UCLA’s 2023 graduates! We invite you to join us in celebrating our graduating Bruins by tuning in to hear what some of our graduates believe the UCLA College taught them about themselves, and by exploring inspiring stories of the class of 2023, including:

Antwan Adams on Janss Steps

‘To be the person I’ve always wanted for myself, for others’: Antwan Adams on being an advocate and ally

Johanna Carbajal

Johanna Carbajal’s journey from lockup to law studies at UCLA

The Farrukh siblings posing against a white wall.

Umiemah, Qasim and Humzah Farrukh make an impact on UCLA and the world

Ariella Gaughan smiling in a black sport coat, with marble columns in the background.

Living in her truth: Ariella Gaughan is learning and leading by example

Gloria Jiyoon Kim at the Getty Center, with trees and building in the background

Through her research and mentoring, Gloria Jiyoon Kim has helped light the path for transfer students

Eduardo Jacques Martinez and son Bryce

Eduardo Jacques Martinez will apply his UCLA geology degree to studying renewable energy

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First-gen transfer student Thien Nguyen takes aim at liver cancer

Andrew Panosian

A ‘once-in-a-century’ Bruin experience: Andrew Panosian looks back to move ahead

Nene Usim

Charting her future in medicine: Nene Usim has long been turning compassion into action

This Bruin is headed for the Space Force: Sam Vi-Tang found her calling and friends she will never forget

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A movement of her own: Ava Boehm designed her own major to further her social justice pursuits

Israel Carrillo

First-gen to physicist: Israel Carrillo is unraveling the mysteries of the universe

Samantha Gallegos wearing a white dress and blue graduation sash.

After finding virtual community, Samantha Gallegos shows peers how to connect

Christopher Ikonomou

Christopher Ikonomou: at the intersection of communication and disability studies

Kelly Kingman smiling, wearing a cap, graduation gown, and a blue sash.

Kelly Kingman followed in her daughters’ footsteps—now her sights are set on a master’s degree

Kanon Mori, wearing a nametag, speaks into a microphone

Kanon Mori works to improve health care while bridging cultures and disciplines

Drew Nishikawa with Royce Hall in the background

Drew Nishikawa: An internship and a minor in disability studies pointed the way forward

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Gillian Smith is living history: She changed her academic direction—and life—at UCLA

Arjun Verma

Future medical student Arjun Verma’s approach to science is equal parts heart and hands-on

UCLA group in Cameroon

These UCLA seniors advanced sustainable farming with incarcerated youth in Cameroon