Let’s meet Casey, a driven student with a deep love for media. College of San Mateo’s picturesque campus is the perfect backdrop for Casey to pursue his dreams. Through dedicated professors and an internship at the on-campus jazz radio station, Casey discovered hidden talents. Overcoming personal challenges with support from CSM’s support programs, Casey’s story exemplifies perseverance. Take it away, Casey.
– Thank you Alex for that introduction. As a child, I knew media was my calling. When considering college, the College of San Mateo stood out due to its location and familiarity. I did not know what my chosen path was, but I knew education was vital for change. I relocated the San Mateo with the sole purpose of unlocking my full potential in the Bay Area. College of San Mateo’s campus, situated on top of a hill, offers an incredible view of San Francisco and the perfect environment for me to pursue my media aspirations. I draw inspiration from the city every day and use it to remind myself why I’m here. Pursuing media at the digital media department has been a life-changing experience. I am now pursuing three degrees instead of one. The professors are passionate and engaging and they have helped me discover my innate talents. I’ve developed strong relationships with them, which has enabled me to create published media through my my internship at KCSM FM 91 Radio, the Bay Area’s jazz station. My internship has ignited my passion for media and I’m determined more than ever to succeed in my chosen career path. CSM’s Disability Resource Center and Extended Opportunities Programs and services helped me manage my ADHD, PTSD, and my new physical disability. Their support made it easier for me to succeed, and their availability gave me confidence. Without these campus resources, I couldn’t have progressed or pursued new ideas. College of San Mateo helped me to pursue my dreams relentlessly. My time at KCSM Radio gave me valuable industry experience. I’m transferring to San Francisco State University this fall into the Broadcasting Electronic Communications program. I’m determined to hone my skills and turn my dreams into reality. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks for letting us know more about your story, Casey. The college’s KCSM 99.1 radio station has been at the college since 1964 and is still going strong with annual events like the summer’s Jazz on the Hill Festival, and incredible internship opportunities for students like Casey, it’s really something special. Take care.
Let me introduce you to Glen, a nursing student who is striving to make a significant impact. Glen is also concurrently enrolled in a BSN program, so he’s fast tracking his nursing degree and saving a ton of money. Take it away, Glen, and tell us about College of San Mateo’s remarkable nursing program.
– Thank you, Alex. Hello everybody. Upon entering the nursing program, I’ve set a few personal intentions for myself. In my own experience, even small interactions can make an enormous impact on shaping a person’s character, and I aim to achieve that through nursing. CSM has a great reputation for being an amazing school, and this was evident in the most recent school year where the NCLEX Registered Nursing Board exam’s passing rate was over 92%. However, what stands out for me the most since becoming a student is the staff’s ability to create a welcoming environment where I feel that I could be myself. I feel genuinely loved and cared for by each member of the faculty, which provides me with the motivation and inspiration to push myself beyond what I thought was possible. CSM’s nursing program also allows students to concurrently enroll in a Bachelor’s Program at San Francisco State University and graduate in two and a half years. It’s a great opportunity to expedite your career and save a lot of money simultaneously. Additionally, we are taught unbiased topics on how to be a great nurse and overall on how to become a better human being. I’ve worked at three hospitals in my clinical rotations and they reinforce my desire to become a nurse. I hope that every single person out there aspiring to become a nurse experiences the feelings that I’ve felt during my time as a student. My favorite moment was singing “Happy Birthday” to a newborn’s first seconds of life. My end goal is not just to become a nurse. My desire is to impact someone’s life as others have impacted mine, even if it’s just one person. I believe that one small interaction has a power to influence an entire life, and I will dedicate my own life to achieve this rewarding feeling. Thank you. Back to you, Alex.
– Your story is awesome, Glen. Thank you for sharing. Being enrolled in CSM’s nursing program and San Francisco State’s program at the same time sounds like a great opportunity to gain valuable skills and earn your Bachelor’s Degree quickly. Thanks again.
College of San Mateo boasts a variety of top-notch athletic programs. The Bulldog softball team is one of them, recently winning a state championship. Let’s meet Tori, a standout softball, pitcher, and psychology major at CSM. Tori’s passion for softball drew her to the college alongside its exceptional academic offering. Let’s catch up with Tori on the field.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Softball has been a huge part of my life, so when searching for colleges, I wanted to make sure I found a fit for both my academic and athletics. While many colleges offer both psychology and softball, CSM was the perfect match for me and I’ve loved my time here. CSM’s softball program is one of the most competitive programs in Northern California and our coaches prioritize both academics and athletics. They’re there to help you get into contact with anybody on campus that can help you achieve your goals academically while giving your all into your sport. Not only was I incredibly supported by the coaches and counselors here, but being in a learning community allows me to support and be supported by my peers, other female athletes. Nine in Action is a learning community here at CSM for female student athletes. It’s a cohort model where we have a series of classes just with other female student athletes. It’s amazing to know you have a built-in support system, not only with your coaches and other staff, but also with students who are in the same boat and who have the same interests and educational goals. It’s something that’s truly special and unique about CSM. CSM has a very active student life with tons of events and activities for students throughout the year, whether that is job fairs, college transfer fairs, music and dance performances, various cultural celebrations, wellness workshops, special guest speakers, and so much more. Our student government organization is dedicated to representing our voices as students and throws tons of events to build community. As I near the end of my last year here at CSM, I’ve gained invaluable experience both academically and athletically. I feel confident and well prepared for my future and at the next goal when I transfer. That’s it from me. Pitching it back to you, Alex.
– Congratulations, Tori, on your team’s success. It’s fantastic to witness the wide range of activities offered by CSM for their students, and the female student athlete learning community Nine in Action appears to be an excellent opportunity for fostering comradery among you and your teammates. That was awesome. Take care.
Meet Anthony who was inspired to pursue his education by his grandmother. He’s an accounting major and a quarterback on CSM’s football team. Recently named National Champions, the football program has a long list of notable Bulldog alumni, including John Madden, Bill Walsh, and my boy, New England Patriots Star Julian Edelman, just to name a few. Anthony, tossing it to you.
– Thank you, Alex. My grandmother’s accomplishments of being the first Black woman to graduate from my local university inspired me to pursue my education after high school, I chose to attend CSM because its great athletic program and also because of its great accounting program, despite not being from this community originally, attending CSM has pushed me out of my comfort zone and exposed me to a special community of people. The positive vibes and supportive individuals around you make it a great place to be and thrive, both in the classroom and on the football field. Our football program and Built for Life program, which focuses on helping young men grow into responsible adults through weekly topics like decision making, communication, and goal setting have helped every participant in becoming the best man they could be. It’s been an incredible experience being part of these programs and this community and CSM, and I know the skills and values learned here will stick with me for life. We have special classes for our football players called Writing in the End Zone and Math in the End Zone. Both classes are designed with engaging topics like statistics from our games and writing about books for athletes. Our great professors make these programs interesting and beneficial for us to finish our degrees and general education classes. CSM has prepared me for life after college. Everything I’ve learned here about being a man, human, and accounting will all be applied to my future. I’m excited for what’s next and I know I’ll be ready for whatever it is. Thank you everyone. Love, back to you, Alex.
– Wow. With outstanding wraparound support like that, I can see why CSM’s football program is one of the best. Thanks for sharing your story, Anthony, and we wish you much success in your accounting and football journeys.