Graduate Student Reflects on Reaching Educational Goals After a Life of Drug Use and Incarceration

Published May 26, 2023

Steven Osuna and Esa Syeed, associate professors of sociology at Cal State Long Beach, spoke with NBC Los Angeles about the challenges Joseph Valadez faced obtaining his graduate degree after a life of drug addiction and incarceration. Professor Syeed told NBC News, “I hope his story not only inspires other students, but also inspires change in our institutions.”