In Their Words: Asante Talib Nkosi

Name: Asante Talib Nkosi

Department: Sociology and History (double major)

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? I am honored to receive the Gabriel Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship.

What year do you expect to graduate? I will graduate Spring 2018.

College: Stevenson

Where do you call home? I was born and raised in Fresno, California.

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? Two things really stood out to me about UC Santa Cruz, including 1) Two prominent Civil Rights Leaders, Angela Davis and Huey P. Newton, both whom I highly respect
and look up to attended and taught here at UCSC. 2) My hometown of Fresno is extremely hot and dry during summer months, so the location of UCSC and the fact that it is surrounded by beautiful redwood trees and literally only a few minutes drive to the beach and boardwalk really drew me to this campus.

What is your field of focus? I am a double major in Sociology and History. My area of interest within these two disciplines is focused on African American history, social movements and social change, and crime and deviance.

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? After I graduate in Spring 2018, I plan to pursue legal studies in one of three areas, including Civil and Human Rights Law, Social Justice and Public Interest Law, or Criminal Law and Procedure

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? When I reflect on my time at UCSC, one thing that really stands out is my involvement with Destination Higher Education (DHE). During 2016, I had the honor of being one of the DHE Coordinators. In this role, I was responsible for planning and executing an event filled weekend for Black high school and transfer students who had recently been admitted to UCSC. I had participated in this event as an incoming freshman, so I knew how important this role was and how special this time would be for the students. DHE taught me about important campus resources and helped me create lifelong friendships. I was honored to help organize such an event for incoming freshman. Our goal was to provide a glimpse of what it meant to be a Black student at UCSC, to create a space where students felt welcomed and a sense of belonging, and to provide them with resources and advice for academic success as they began their journey.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? I strongly encourage students to always ask questions and to get involved in campus clubs early so you can build a solid foundation of support. No person makes it on their own, so reach out to professors, counselors, classmates, friends, and your family for help.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? This scholarship will greatly impact my academic and professional pursuits because it will help me finance law school. I am certain that a solid foundation in legal studies will provide me with the support, academic foundation, and practical application of law necessary to work alongside community benefit organizations and address some of the most pressing challenges that plague the most vulnerable people in our society.