Echoes of Freedom: Standing Firm in the Face of Silence and Violence

In this sanctuary of sunlit dreams and boundless aspirations, I have felt the breath of freedom countless times. UCLA, a haven of inclusivity and hope, once emboldened me to find my voice, to believe that silence is never the only answer.

Three years ago, as I applied UCLA, I wrote these words in the love letter: “I was a victim of sexual assault—the silence was killing me. Silence. It was all I heard from teachers and parents. Keep quiet, pretend nothing had happened. Due to cultural norms, I was reticent to discuss sex, and the opportunities offered by my school were limited. However, UCLA abhors silence.” In that moment, my tears were a farewell to the past and a hopeful gaze toward the future.

Walking through UCLA's campus, I couldn't hold back my tears, for I deeply understood what others were going through. Speak out, speak out, speak out! This is more than a slogan; it is the cry of every soul that has struggled in the depths of silence.

The recent violence that has cast a shadow over our campus is deeply troubling, yet I still believe in the unbreakable spirit of UCLA. Yes, perhaps if security had been stronger initially, the attackers from outside wouldn’t have breached our sanctuary, and our students wouldn’t have been harmed. However, if we hadn’t given students the chance to protest peacefully from the start, their voices would have been forever drowned in silence.

As a university that openly supports peaceful student protests, UCLA faces not just issues of management but the monumental task of defending freedom and rights. Other universities might take this incident as a warning to suppress peaceful protests even more, but that’s not the solution. What we need are schools that protect students, staff, and the freedom of speech. It’s crucial that kind LAPD officers and school volunteers stand up now to safeguard our campus and our future.

During these difficult days, UCLA has held steadfast to its motto, “We stand with our students.” This simple phrase has made me fall in love with UCLA a hundred times over. From photo albums and memorabilia on the lawn to backpacks on Bruinwalk, each telling the stories of survivors and those who have attempted suicide, the campus speaks of countless voices. Despite ongoing controversies, UCLA has remained true to its core, protecting the rights and dignity of every student.

However, seeing the hateful words scrawled by protesting students on the walls of our beloved campus breaks my heart. This not only tarnishes our environment but also the image of every one of us who has bravely spoken out. I understand the anger and frustration, but we must find better solutions. It is through dialogue and understanding, not confrontation and hatred, that our voices will truly be heard.

Reflecting on my own journey, I recall the day I first set foot on UCLA's campus as a hopeful student. The air was thick with promise, each step echoing the silent prayers of countless others like me, seeking a place where our voices could rise above the whispers of doubt and fear. I remember the nights spent at Powell Library, where the quiet companionship of fellow students offered solace. In those moments, I realized that UCLA was not just a place of learning but a community that embraced each individual's struggle and triumph.

One morning, during an early exam, protesters stormed into our classroom. Our professor, his hair streaked with gray, tried to reason with them. “Have a heart, the kids are taking the midterm,” he pleaded. But they ignored his words, advancing and hurling insults, cameras rolling, drums beating, and slogans shouted. They occupied the entire room, turning our place of learning into a battleground. I watched my professor's helpless silhouette and couldn't stop the tears from falling. Stepping outside, I saw police encircling Dodd Hall. Is this what the protest is about? Is it really aimed at ordinary students trying to study and dedicated professors striving to teach?

UCLA, my eternal sanctuary, I believe you will see the rainbow after the storm. No matter how challenging the future may be, I will stand by your side, protecting this freedom and hope with you. Because we are not just students; we are brave warriors. We will not be silenced. We will continue to speak out, for ourselves and for every oppressed soul.