2025 CSBS Graduate Convocation Student Speaker -
Ana Ascencio

Speech given by Ana Ascencio at the 2025 CSBS Graduate Convocation Ceremony

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"President Randall, Dean Camacho, esteemed faculty, alumni, and most importantly, the Class of 2025—congratulations!

Today, we celebrate not just our hard work but the people who have uplifted us along the way. Parents, friends, mentors, and loved ones—thank you. We couldn’t be here without you.

As graduates of the College of Social and Behavioral Science, we’re stepping into a reality that is anything but simple. Our work whether in policy, research, advocacy, human behavior, economics- it shapes the institutions and communities we serve. But we do so at a time when public trust in institutions is declining, public service is scrutinized, and our roles are challenged. The work ahead won’t be easy; at times, it will feel frustrating, even impossible. But we have come too far to back down now. The work ahead is beyond institutions and systems—it’s about people.

I stand here today as the daughter of an immigrant. My mother came to this country with no money nor knowledge of the language but with a dream that fueled her sacrifices. Her strength and perseverance gave me the opportunity to chase my dreams, think big, and aspire to what many would say is impossible. Every step I take brings me closer to the life she dreamed of for me.

But let’s be real—big dreams come with obstacles. There are moments when the challenges seem greater than me, and in those moments, I hold onto resilience. Resilience isn’t just about pushing through; it’s about showing up, moving forward in uncertainty, and remembering that every action, no matter how small, can build something greater than ourselves.

I have also learned the power of empathy. My mother’s journey, my own challenges, and the experiences of those around me taught me to see others in their full humanity. Empathy reminds us that the systems we work in, the policies we shape—they impact real people with real lives and real stories.

As we step forward, I hope we hold onto resilience and empathy.Wherever we go next—government, nonprofits, advocacy,service or research—our work matters. In the policies we develop, the communities we uplift, and the systems we challenge and improve, let’s be professionals who don’t just accept things as they are but push for what they should be.

Anthropologists, economists, geographers, human development experts, global affairs leaders, administrators,political scientists, public policy professionals, psychologists and sociologists as we begin this new chapter, I  ask that we hold onto resilience,empathy, and hope. Change takes time, persistence, and grit, but it starts with us. When people move, the world moves with them.

 

Congratulations!"