This past June 16th, 74 students celebrated commencement at the Labor Studies graduation ceremony at UCLA’s Covel Commons Grand Horizon room along with their professors, counselors, friends and families.

The ceremony honored student accomplishments and featured student speakers. Among them was, Jasmine Ceron who was grateful for the the internship opportunities the Labor Studies program provided her.  Among her favorite memories was being able to meet Senator Kamala Harris while working at the UCLA Labor Center . After graduation, Jasmine plans to pursue a law degree to become a juvenile defense lawyer and then transition into a position as a juvenile court judge.

Linda Esquivel, the second student speaker, shared her life story and appreciation for the unconditional support and mentorship of her mother and  her Labor Studies professors. Linda’s honors thesis was focused on anarchism at the Mexico-United States border in early 20th century. After graduation, Linda will begin a Ph.D. program in History at the University of Chicago. In this program she plans to study anarchists and feminist movements in Latin America. Ultimately, she aspires to become a History professor.

The 2018 cohort of Labor Studies students are poised to continue their academic careers or take on leadership roles in labor and community organizations fighting for economic and social justice.