A Statement from Our Founders 

Kevin Arifin and Sela Tran

Thank you for visiting the Bruin Association of Students in Education (BASE)!

We welcome you into our wonderful family, no matter your identity, background, and passions. From the formal schooling of the classroom to the informal learning from our loved ones and peers, education is the common thread we share that inherently makes us social learners, natural improvers, and distinctly human. And in every community in the world, every occupation that exists in civilization, and even every field of study offered at UCLA, there is at least one person who is interested in incorporating education into their lives and endless amounts of others who have yet to tap into the limitless potential of this discipline. So whether you are that one person or one of billions, we hope that we can work together to create a home for you here with us. Your interest in education and dedication to students is the motivational fuel that keeps us running, and it is our privilege to serve you and support what you can and will accomplish with BASE and beyond. 

BASE was established in 2022 by a small but dedicated group of UCLA students with big dreams of creating an entirely new, centralized community for aspiring educators and our allies to network with, support, and advocate for one another. Together, we combined forces to actualize those aspirations, and in the process, realized the transformative power of BASE to produce meaningful changes for our collaborators. We are proud of the precedent we set but recognize that the work we started is nowhere close to being done. While we founded the organization and are long gone, we need you now more than ever to keep the vision, mission, and legacy alive.

At the time that this message is being written, the educational landscape faces formidable challenges. The physical and mental safety of our children in our institutions has become increasingly threatened. Underserved communities, particularly BIPOC, low-income/unhoused/guardian-less/first-generation, and LGBTQIA+ students, continue to face unfair hurdles in access to and retention in educational opportunities and resources. Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and programs, critical race theory, and trauma-informed socioemotional learning are under attack as the gap between politicians, educational stakeholders, and the general public has divided. The shortage of qualified educators continues to worsen as financial allocations have been tightened and mismanaged, expectations have become overwhelming, and basic respect has completely disappeared, heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. And the intentional, pedagogical, and inclusive methodologies to build the knowledge, skills, and resilience students need to thrive and innovate as they enter an interconnected, technology-advancing society have been largely outdated, ignored, or even nonexistent in certain areas of the world. 

As the generation that will represent the best of us, our students deserve better. While the specific issues will change over time, the fight to build a better tomorrow will always exist. To solve these problems will require leaders from every sector (teachers, counselors, administrators, researchers, policy-makers, technologists, parents, students, community organizers, advocates, etc.) to work together. We hope BASE will be a place where you can build a better understanding of the various stakeholders in education and the strategies of social transformation to become future agents of change, in any career, that give us hope in these dire times. As you embark on this journey, know that you will not be alone and will make deep, kind, and lasting relationships and countless life-changing, fulfilling, and rich memories that you will carry with you forever, professionally and personally. Take it from us as living proof that the impossible is possible: the tiny sprout two strangers once planted and nurtured together, not knowing if it would ever bloom or how it would deepen our friendship, grew into something that, with the help of the most amazing people, flourished long after and, most importantly, eventually reached and inspired you in this moment, bonding us for eternity. 

As we conclude this heartfelt message, we once again extend our deepest gratitude and excitement to you for joining BASE. We wish you the best in your endeavors, will cheer for you in any way we can, and look forward to the bright future we will create and share together. BASE is better in your hands. 

With Love and Conviction, 

Kevin Arifin and Sela Tran

BASE Co-Founders and Co-Presidents ‘22 - ‘23