People always talk about UCLA being a big, somewhat isolating, school. It’s difficult to get to know people in the student population when there over 30,000 undergraduate students. But sources like this Instagram account help keep the student population connected. Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) posts photos and stories of students. Each student has their own unique interests and stories, so really, they’re helping us all get to know each other a little bit better.
1. The Optimistic Friends
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Jan 22, 2016 at 10:48pm PST
These students are realistic but also optimistic about friendships. Friendships aren’t always laughter and aesthetic Instagram feeds. Sometimes it’s argument and annoyance, but the key is to find those friends who, in the end, are worth it.
2. The Driven Student
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Sep 30, 2015 at 2:39pm PDT
Some experiences changed this student and gave her a direction. Her driven attitude and passion is something all UCLA students can respect and admire.
3. The Happy International Student
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Oct 8, 2015 at 1:23am PDT
This international student from Hong Kong has experienced the education systems outside of America, and enjoys the education she is receiving at UCLA. From her experiences, all students can become more appreciative and grateful for the opportunities they’ve been given.
4. The Awesome Faculty Member
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Sep 20, 2015 at 1:27pm PDT
This person makes UCLA a better place, both with his appreciation for safety and his excitement to be here!
5. The Busy Bee
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Sep 19, 2015 at 3:29pm PDT
This student is very involved, and her experiences have taught her a lot about herself. We can all take a lesson from her!
6. The Education Seeker
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Oct 8, 2015 at 1:26am PDT
This student shows us just how important it is to be educated, and helps us all feel a little more grateful for our opportunities.
7. The Poetic Musician
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Oct 19, 2015 at 6:56pm PDT
With his poetic lyrics and song, this student is applying everything he’s learned and mastering his craft. With his music and beautiful lyrics, we can all take some time to appreciate art.
8. The Challenge Seeker
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Feb 1, 2016 at 9:15pm PST
This student, like many of us, realized that college is a whole different ball game than everything we’ve had before. But instead of groaning about all the work we have to do, we should appreciate and set our minds to the challenge in front of us.
9. The Friend
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Mar 2, 2016 at 7:09pm PST
Some of the friendships you make in college are lifelong bonds, and this student is expressing gratitude for the ones he calls his friends.
10. The First-Generation College Student
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Apr 2, 2016 at 7:39pm PDT
What this student goes through is something we can all appreciate because it helps trace us back to our roots.
11. The Good Friend
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Apr 26, 2016 at 7:33pm PDT
Keeping your problems all to yourself is not a good idea, and this student is here to tell you that he’s here for you. Don’t be afraid to spill about your bad days- it will make you feel a lot better!
12. The Boundary Defier
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Oct 10, 2016 at 6:17pm PDT
This international student shows us that boundaries – in terms of nationality, ethnicity, etc.- aren’t everything. Embrace and accept all the people around you!
13. The Legacy Runner
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Oct 15, 2016 at 3:24pm PDT
This student reminds us of our own families and the different traditions and legacies that each family has.
14. The Welcomer of All
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Oct 20, 2016 at 6:03pm PDT
Just like this student says, “… just know that everyone is there for you.”
15. The Inspired Student
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Oct 31, 2016 at 3:07pm PDT
This student’s story about getting inspired by his friends is something that we can all relate to. It makes us realize that what we do is important, and that we may be influencing people, even if we don’t feel like we are.
16. The Loved and Supported Student
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Nov 2, 2016 at 6:34pm PDT
This student helps us really appreciate the amount of support and love we’ve received from friends and family over the years.
17. The Helper
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Nov 20, 2016 at 6:33pm PST
This student’s experiences pushed her to help others. Her story is so inspiring.
18. The Good Daughter
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Nov 22, 2016 at 4:25pm PST
By taking a leap of faith this student found out that she was taking her mother for granted, and learned from it.
19. The Celebration Story
A post shared by Humans of UCLA (@humans_of_ucla) on Sep 17, 2015 at 5:39pm PDT
This student shares his story about his acceptance to UCLA, bringing us back to that moment when we found out we got in. Even after all this time, that moment still hasn’t lost its shine and magic.
This Instagram account is something all UCLA students should have on their radar because it helps us get to know our fellow peers and our student population. In a school so big, it’s easy to just stick with the people you know, but this Instagram account seeks to connect and educate all UCLA students about each other.