Let’s meet a student who recently transferred from College of San Mateo to Stanford University. Leila loved her time at CSM and was set up for success to transfer by the faculty here and the different learning communities she was involved with on campus. Let’s check in with Leila and see what she has to share with us.
– Thanks, Alex. or hi everyone. I graduated high school during the pandemic while our family business struggled. To save money, I enrolled at CSM. I was told I was making the wrong move and detouring from my path. All stigmas wrongfully associated with community colleges. Thankfully, I didn’t listen because going to CSM was the best decision for my future. They set me up for success as I transferred from CSM to Stanford University. Researching what CSM had to offer, I found the MANA Learning Community, a program focusing on Pacifica or Pacific Islander students. My mother, who was from France, raised me by herself, so I grew up without much connection to my Tongan, Samoan, and Fijian heritages. MANA offered us wraparound services, including Pacific studies courses, wellness counseling, transfer coaching, and leadership development opportunities. This community was instrumental in my growth as a student scholar, community organizer, and human. For the first time in my life, I saw my people thriving in academia as PhD holders, faculty, staff, and counselors truly carving out a safe, sacred space for us. MANA and our mentors affirmed to myself and my peers that Pacifica people belong in higher education and inspired me to pursue becoming an educator to pay that love and support forward. In addition to MANA, I had access to other resources such as financial aid and the Honors Project Learning Community. Under the guidance of professors, I explored my academic dreams and was introduced to the field of ethnic studies and the vast potential of interdisciplinary research. CSM taught me that college is about community and relationships beyond just academics and professional training. The skills I learned here enabled me to thrive at Stanford. College of San Mateo laid the foundation and gave me the tools I needed to achieve my goals. Mahalo, thank you for listening, and back to you, Alex.
– Leila, thank you for sharing your story. What a journey from College of San Mateo to Stanford University, which is just down the road from CSM. Your story is so inspiring. Now as you can see, College of San Mateo set Leila up for success by exposing her to a field of study that became her passion. Keep up the great work Leila and thank you for sharing your story.
Now we will hear from two students who have found College of San Mateo’s Multicultural and Dream Center to be a social hub of their student experience. CSM is helping Socorro and Auner find their majors, grow their skills, and provide opportunities to participate in an amazing student-led conference. Let’s hear more.
– Thank you, Alex. Hi, everyone.
– What’s up y’all?
– While growing up, education was very important to me, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to be, which is why I chose CSM because it would allow me to focus on my education while also exploring different career paths.
– I always loved computers, and thanks to the counselors here, I found that computer science was my passion. When I’m not in class, I’m hanging out and studying at the Multicultural and Dream Center.
– When I first came to CSM, I was really shy and reserved, which is why I decided to apply at the Multicultural and Dream Center as a scholar intern. In this role, I was the co-lead for the Rise and Revolution conference, which is a three day long conference meant to radicalize, revolutionize, and reimagine what collective liberation means.
– This year’s conference centered around the themes of mutual aid, transformative justice, LGBTQ liberation, body liberation, and housing justice.
– [Socorro] I enjoyed doing this because it allowed me to learn about what it takes to organize a conference. I have met some of the closest friends through this internship, not just with my coworkers, but with the community of students that come into the center. It has allowed me to grow in my skills while centering around issues that I’m passionate about.
– CSM has taught me a lot and helped me grow. Coming here was the best decision of my life.
– When I first came to CSM, I was really embarrassed that I didn’t go to a four year university like others. But now, looking back at the past two years of my life, I’m really grateful that I chose this path. Not only have I been able to grow in my education, but I’ve also been able to grow as a person.
– [Both] Back to you, Alex.
– Keep up the great work, Auner and Socorro. From finding computer science as a major to leading a three day social justice conference. I love hearing about the opportunities that CSM provides to help students find their purpose. Thank you both for sharing your experiences.
College of San Mateo has some pretty amazing support programs for students. Let’s hear from Briana, a Navy veteran who came to CSM because of the Veteran Center and the Child Development Center that her son attends. Briana is a business major with big, big plans for her future. Take it away, Briana.
– Thanks, Alex. I just spent six and a half amazing years in the Navy. Unfortunately, my time came to an end and I was medically retired. After leaving the service, I became responsible for raising a young child. I realized that pursuing a college education was the next logical step for me. I knew that I wanted to study business, take advantage of my military benefits, and get additional support with my childcare, especially while my husband was on active duty. College of San Mateo provided me with all three. They have an active Veterans Resource and Opportunity Center, a robust business program, and a Child Development Center that offers childcare to students and employees. I primarily spend my time on campus in the Veterans Resource and Opportunity Center, a remarkable community that the veterans have established here at CSM. This community provides us with support for problem solving, knowledge sharing, and maintaining the comradery that I sought after leaving the service. The Child Development Center on campus is an amazing resource that allows me to focus on my schooling while providing an environment for my son to thrive. My son is so happy here and the staff treats us like family. This service I received from the college and the CDC has allowed me to engage in the campus community. As such, I recently became the Business Club president. This has allowed me the opportunity to engage with my peers with common interests. Once I graduate, I plan to establish my own business aimed to aid my community that organizes more diverse and inclusive events. My time in the Navy and at CSM has taught me to appreciate and embrace other cultures. These are some of the principles that I wanna incorporate into my business. Back to you, Alex.
– Briana, thanks so much for letting us know about the resources for veterans and parents at College of San Mateo. It’s so great that CSM supports their veteran and parent students. Thank you for your service to our country, and thank you for sharing your story here today. Take care.
Let me introduce you to Pablo, a dedicated student athlete who is majoring in political science and plays on the CSM baseball team. He’s found brotherhood as a bulldog and loves how busy the campus is with student government-sponsored events. Pablo, show us that Bulldog spirit. Take it away.
– Stay, stay. Good boy. Thank you Alex for the introduction. Hey guys, how’s it going? As a student athlete, I’ve always searched for opportunities to challenge myself both in the classroom and on the field. I appreciate the culture of comradery and healthy competition that exists at CSM. As Bulldogs, we are encouraged to strive for excellence and avoid complacency. Not only do we experience academic and athletic growth, but we also learn to socialize with our peers in order to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. My experience on the Bulldog baseball team has been fun and inspiring. I quickly learned that there was no time to mess around on the hilltop. The culture of Bulldog baseball is centered around being hard-nosed, gritty, and committed, while also having fun and striving to win. This embodies the spirit of the sport that has brought us all to CSM’s historic program. I’ve enjoyed being able to meet and grow close with my teammates who I now consider my brothers. CSM offers a whole lot of student body events all throughout the year. My favorite had to be Welcome Week. The student government had events every day in the quad. There were arcade games, karaoke for a prize, and free food. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles. I’m grateful to have made friends with them and learned from their experiences. Well, that’s just a bit about me. Back to you, Alex.
– Pablo, it sounds like you are learning many valuable life skills at College of San Mateo, especially around time management, which can be very challenging as a busy student. Thanks so much for sharing your story and keep up the great work.
College of San Mateo has a robust international education program for students from all over the world, in large part due to its proximity to Silicon Valley, the heart of the technology industry. Let’s check in with Gulnazik, an international student who loves the Bay Area and the community of friends she has made at CSM. Take it away, Gulnazik.
– Thanks, Alex. which means “Hi, friends” in Kyrgyz. I’m an international student from Central Asia Kyrgyzstan. I first came here as an exchange student at a Bay Area high school my senior year. I was in love with the Bay Area, and I’m now back as an international student at College of San Mateo. One of the many special things about CSM is the encouragement to be our authentic selves. Coming from such an underrepresented culture in Central Asia, I was welcomed and appreciated for the stories I share about that unique part of the world. I work as an international student ambassador as schoolwork, cultures, and authentic individuals connect and celebrate the diverse population on campus. I was thrilled to be part of the International Education Week last fall, educating our students about my language and culture through food, costumes, and dances. It was so incredible to especially teach a traditional Kyrgyz Kara Jorgo dance and expose CSM to a nomadic lifestyle. This semester, we hosted another outstanding cultural event, World Gala, representing over 20 cultures through the talents of students on campus. The eagerness to be inclusive at CSM makes it so special and successful in many ways. I’m a part of the Exceptional Honors Project, a learning community at CSM that aims to enhance our research skills as future scholars. For two semesters, I have been researching and writing academic papers on issues that I’m passionate to solve. I recently got the opportunity to present my research at the Annual Honors Symposium at Stanford University. CSM has prepared me to advocate for underrepresented groups and individuals like myself. As I move forward, I will not hesitate to speak up, educate, and share stories because they matter. I would like to keep my cultural spirit and research passion wherever I go next. Thanks, Alex. Back to you now.
– Thank you, Gulnazik. I love that CSM values inclusiveness and different cultures. It’s awesome that you’ve been able to find community at CSM while thriving academically. The honors project learning community sounds like a great opportunity for students. Thanks again.
College of San Mateo is located in Silicon Valley, and yes, the proximity to Silicon Valley has an impact on the Computer Information Science program here. Meet Edan, a first year student with a passion for computer science. Edan has been active on campus since day one and started the college’s Computer Science Club. Take it away, Edan.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up everyone? In high school, I excelled academically and participated actively in sports and music programs. However, as the college application deadline approached, I realized I wasn’t really sure about my major. By the time I decided on computer science, I realized I didn’t have as much practical experience as many of my other peers who were already pursuing that major. We’re fortunate to have supportive professors at CSM who help us both in and out of the classroom. To maximize my chances of getting accepted into a school I wanted to transfer to, I utilized CSM’s counseling services to learn about the transfer requirements. During a meeting with a UC Berkeley transfer representative, I was advised to get involved in community activities and clubs related to my major. As a proactive person, I quickly realized that CSM didn’t have a computer science club and I took the opportunity to create one with the help of friends and classmates. CSM is a place where people of all backgrounds can thrive and feel supported. CSM’s Computer Science Club provides a supportive community for underrepresented groups in computer science. With a large member base, a mentorship program with the local high school, and collaboration with the campus’s professional development team, we foster an inclusive environment where all students can thrive and enhance their skills and resumes. Overall, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to increase my experience with computer science related activities. I’ve gained personal skills such as leadership, responsibility, time management, and communication. I look forward to continuing working alongside peers and accomplishing things that everyone can be proud of. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Edan, thank you for sharing your story. That’s great that CSM has been such a supportive place for you to thrive academically. Plugging into all of the campus’s resources and clubs seems like a great idea for new students here on campus. Thanks again, Edan.
Our next student comes all the way from Peru. Meet Yolanda. She found her way to Cerritos College to study in the dual enrollment program, earning college credit while she was in high school. Now she’s studying biomedical engineering and is on her way to graduating earlier than expected. You’re up, Yolanda.
– Thank you for the introduction, Alex. Hi, everyone. I moved from Peru to the US because I wanted to make a better life for me and my family. I was terrified when I came here because I didn’t know who I would be staying with and I didn’t know how to speak English. Over time, I was able to get out of my shell and feel more comfortable. In high school, I learned I could earn college credit at Cerritos College through the dual enrollment program I began taking my general education classes online. While it was a bit awkward because of the pandemic, I went to the college library to stay connected and get the best out of my experience. I’m happy to say that when I graduated, I finished two semesters of college classes, which gave me the opportunity to transfer in less time. While taking part in the dual enrollment program, I faced some housing challenges, which led me to move out of state to New Mexico. I later found community housing through The Village a few blocks away from campus. I was also able to get food, hygiene products, and laundry carts through the Falcon’s Nest. With everything going on, I was looking for an activity where I could de-stress. I wanted a hands-on experience where I could build something that I could hold with my hands. Luckily, I found that in the woodworking department. It’s so gratifying to see how to transform a rough wood into a piece of art. Forming connections with staff and faculty at Cerritos College was invaluable. From directing me to the Falcon’s Nest to helping me enroll in my classes, they listened to me and gave me the tools to succeed. In my final year, I’ve been able to focus on my studies without worry. I’m happy to say that I’m transferring to UC Irvine as a biomedical engineering student. With the support from Cerritos College, I was able to pursue my dreams and passions. My dream got started here. I can’t wait to see how yours starts. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Yolanda. There’s a lot of great things happening at Cerritos and it sounds like you took advantage of all the resources that were available, from the Falcon’s Nest to The Village, these programs are gonna help you transfer to UC Irvine Best of luck to you.
Let’s meet Brooke. Did you know Cerritos College is ranked among the best schools for cosmetology in California? With her love for skincare and the beauty industry, Brooke is exactly where she needs to be to make her dreams come true. Brooke, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s going on, everyone? Thank you so much for having me. I’m so excited to be here. First and foremost, I’ve been coming to Cerritos College my whole college career, ever since I graduated high school. And Lord, that’s been 10 years. Believe it or not, I’ve switched my major multiple times, but I finally fell in a program where I can express all my love and passion for all things skincare and beauty through the Aesthetician Program. Ever since I was a young girl, I can remember myself daydreaming about becoming a makeup artist on a movie set and giving facials as a full-time job. Now I’m making my dreams a reality. The Aesthetician Program is an amazing choice if you have a love and passion for making people feel amazing and looking amazing in their own skin. Cerritos College continues to have such amazing programs to choose from. Coming from someone who was always unsure and switching up my major, I found my passion, and Cerritos College had the best opportunity that made me more confident. The Aesthetician Program really opened up my vision to pursue a career that never feels like it’s work. Throughout my college career, I retained so much knowledge. I’m so excited to educate my future clients as a licensed aesthetician and business owner. I do believe that Cerritos College prepares students so efficiently. And if you work hard, you will pass that state board exam with flying colors. With that being said, in the near future, I hope to open up my own beauty studio and become my own boss and offer my clients an amazing range of services. Thank you so much for having me. Stay blessed, everyone. Now back to you, Alex.
– That was beautiful, Brooke. When you leave Cerritos, you’ll be ready to be the boss that you wanna be. We know that you’ll make all your clients look amazing with the skills you learned in the cosmetology program. Thank you so much, Brooke.
The first in her family to go to college, Taima was able to excel when she arrived to Cerritos College. Being the first is never easy. But at Cerritos, all of the resources for first generation students made the difference in Taima’s college journey. Let’s hear Taima’s story.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Education has always been at the top of my priority since I was young. When life and work slowed down due to COVID, after I graduated high school, I just knew I had to go to Cerritos College because of their amazing atmosphere, caring professors, and many options for online and flexible courses. As a first generation college student, I’m the first in my family to go to college. Cerritos made signing up for classes a breeze. I found tons of support from my counselors, professors, and peers on which classes I should take and how I could best achieve my goals. I also found tremendous support through the First Generation Falcons Club. The club regularly hosts seminars informing us of things first time students may need to know, like how to fill out financial aid forms, how to apply to universities, write personal statements, and even how to write resumes. We also have some of the most desirable universities come by to advise our students on how to best be accepted to their top ranking schools. Cerritos College also offers many opportunities for student involvement and leadership. The associated students of Cerritos College, or ASCC, works hard to serve all students on campus and puts a lot of thought and care into writing policies and planning initiatives that affect students the most. In the last year, I designed a system that allows ASCC to hear more student voices and concerns while making contact with student representatives more accessible to everyone. After my time at Cerritos College, I planned a transfer to a big name university, such as UCLA, well equipped with the knowledge I’ve gained from my involvement in student government and the First Gen Falcons Club. I hope you will consider Cerritos College if you’re looking for a university that really puts students first. Now, back over to you, Alex
– Taima, you started off new and a bit unsure about your path. But after joining student government and staying active on campus, you really found your place at Cerritos. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
As an international student, Janvi knew finding the right college would be the key to her success as a future nurse. At Cerritos, she found an award-winning nursing program and an accepting community that helped her thrive. Janvi, you are up.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. I was born in the Philippines and raised in India. I came to United States in 2019 as a junior in high school I always had a dream of getting my degree from one of the colleges in US and one day becoming a nurse. My older brother who also attends Cerritos College was my biggest inspiration in continuing my education. As an international student, It was very important for me to go to a college that was diverse, helped with academics, and provided scholarship opportunities. I received two scholarships which were really helpful to pay for a nutrition fee. I also currently work at the college as a student ambassador in school relations and receptionist at Student Success Center. Working, being a part of clubs on campus, and previously serving as a senator in a student government has helped me to gain a lot of confidence within myself and develop leadership skills. I always wanted to help my community and I’m glad that I go to a college that does the same. Through their Falcon’s Nest, they provide free resources like food, clothing, and housing to a student in need. I have used the services to get food and transportation, and one time received clothing after my clothes got ruined in the rain. Their efforts have inspired me to also volunteer at PIH Hospital where I visited patients and make sure supplies are stocked. As an aspiring nursing student, Cerritos College has done more than give me a knowledge about my major. They have given me a community, leadership skills, volunteer and professional experience. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Janvi. With all the good leadership and professional experience you gained at Cerritos, we know you’ll become an amazing nurse. It’s always important to have a strong community of support and resources when you’re looking for a great school, and you found that right here. Thanks again.