# @ucsc on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/By59PkZBEaA
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/20346451-ucsc-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/c1e0fff433.jpg
- **Posted:** 2019-06-19T20:57:49.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UC Santa Cruz (@ucsc) — https://gondola.cc/ucsc

## Caption

#SlugStories "I wanted to have a visual representation of me returning home not degree-less, but with a degree. There were people who didn’t think I would graduate because so many of my peers at the time did not complete college for many reasons. This was not just for me, but this was for my family and my community that I hope I represented well. saintrecords said it best, 'Some stuff is for US, this is for US.' Although, I had a hard journey at UCSC, I persevered against all odds and internal and external forces. Therefore, it was only right that I returned home for my graduation pictures. In reference of the late great Nipsey Hussle, this was my victory lap. With Nipsey’s passing on March 31st, I decided to pay homage to him and tie it in with my original theme. He had a huge impact on the people and the area in which we both come from. He inspired me when he was here on this earth and he has inspired me even more after his passing. He was a true humanitarian. Some of these pictures were inspired by Nipsey Hussle and Lauren London’s GQ photoshoot and some of these photos were inspired by my childhood memories and showcasing where I come from. This is simply pride. My degree is to be used to serve the political and economic good to my Black community, as it is my duty to do as such."
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awtum2dope is a recent UC Santa Cruz psychology grad with a bright future ahead. 
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📸: daymechellephotog 
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#ucsc #ucsantacruz #themarathoncontinues #nipseyhussle #classof2019 #commencement2019 #TMC

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 2,418
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- **Comments:** 38

## Tags

nipseyhussle, ucsc, ucsantacruz, slugstories, commencement2019, tmc, classof2019, themarathoncontinues

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