When I was asked to write a submission for the Daily Bruin
Graduation Issue, I was a little bit apprehensive. Like many
graduating seniors, I am more uncertain about life now than ever.
However, two of my favorite quotes and a little reflection on some
of the wonderful accomplishments of UCLA students provided me with
inspiration.
The first quote, by Margaret Mead, may seem a bit cliche, but it
truly captures the spirit of UCLA students and alumni. Mead said,
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that
ever has.”
As UCLA students, we’ve had the opportunity to take part
in these “small groups of thoughtful, committed
citizens” and created change on both the local and global
levels.
This year alone, we’ve seen students successfully take
steps to help stop killing and displacement in Darfur by running a
successful campaign to ensure UC divestment from Sudan.
We’ve participated in events such as UCLA Dance Marathon
and UCLA Run/Walk to raise money to help limit pediatric illness.
We’ve volunteered in local service organizations providing
medical treatment, mentoring, food and other much-needed services
to our community.
We must bring this legacy of service into the real world as
alumni. After we graduate this weekend and burst out of the UCLA
bubble, we will have the opportunity to build upon the foundation
of service we have fostered while in college.
With our knowledge and degrees, we have the responsibility and
privilege of leading our communities as we continue to challenge
the status quo. We have the chance to lead and inspire new groups
of “thoughtful, committed citizens” to bring about
change on a broad, long-term scale.
In order to do so, we must not hesitate to take new risks. As
James Bryan Conant once said, “Behold the turtle. He makes
progress only when he sticks his neck out.”
As we move out into the community beyond UCLA, we must challenge
ourselves to take unprecedented action while staying grounded and
connected to our UCLA careers characterized by service and a desire
for change.
No matter which field each of us pursues, I am certain that
UCLA’s class of 2006 will push our current social boundaries
to bring about our own kind of revolutionary change. I look forward
to reading about, witnessing and participating in the great
campaigns and projects that will undoubtedly continue to stem from
our graduating class.
As we all know, achieving positive social change takes hard
work, but it is well within our reach. As continuing students, new
professionals and UCLA alumni, we must find the time, resources and
energy to truly make a difference in the world around us.
As a “small group of thoughtful, committed citizens”
willing to “stick out our necks” to take some risks, we
can accomplish anything. Congratulations, Class of 2006!
Wood was the 2005-2006 Undergraduate Student Association
Council president.