Fall 2019

CSUN Major: Biochemistry

Hope to pursue a career in: Oncologist, Pediatrician

Personal background: I was born in El Salvador. In 2004, my mother, older sister, and I migrated to the United States hoping for a better life. Now, I also have a younger sister.

Personal interests / hobbies: My hobbies are both listening and playing music, drawing, and playing video games.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Meticulous, considerate, hardworking, emotional, and respectful.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I hope to demonstrate and encourage minorities to pursue higher education. I also hope to bring more kindness in the way people treat one another with and encourage others to do the same.

CSUN Major: Political Science

Hope to pursue a career in: Law

Personal background: I am Mexican and African American, I was born and raised in Los Angeles, and I come from a very loving family.

Personal interests / hobbies: I enjoy painting, watching documentaries, writing, reading, and learning new things.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Different, determined, passionate, inquisitive, and observant.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I would like to start with giving my family the life they deserve and helping the family I have in Mexico overcome poverty. Overall, I’d hope to make a difference in our school systems, bringing awareness to the importance of mental health amongst youth and find ways to better the lives of anyone and everyone in need.

CSUN Major: Currently, exploratory but I am interested in Biology.

Hope to pursue a career in: The veterinarian or pediatrician career path.

Personal background: I was born and raised in California and my family lives in South Central Los Angeles. I am the eldest child and I have five younger brothers. I will be the first in my family to attend college.

Personal interests / hobbies: I like listening to music, a little bit of everything, but my favorite types are K-Pop and alternative pop. I love writing and reading books such as: mystery, thriller, horror, and supernatural fiction. I also love horror movies, Korean dramas, cartoons, and anime. Lastly, I enjoy working with animals since I've always had a love for them.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
If I had to describe myself in 5 words, they would be hardworking, kind, talkative, friendly, and helpful.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I want to make a difference in the world by helping others and making sure that I can contribute my part in giving back to my community. I also want to inspire others like me who come from humble beginnings to take control of their lives and do more to make the world a better place with their talents, skills, and determination.

CSUN Major: Communication Disorders

Hope to pursue a career in: Speech Pathology

Personal background: I am a first-generation college student. I was raised in Canoga Park, and I am the youngest of three children. I will be the second child to go to college.

Personal interests / hobbies: I like working with children and dancing. I also love walking my dogs in my free time.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Optimistic, energetic, responsible, determined, and caring

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I want to inspire people, as well as teach them that they have a voice in this world and make them feel comfortable.

CSUN Major: Psychology

Hope to pursue a career in: The field of helping children, specifically as a child life specialist.

Personal background: I was born in Granada Hills raised in Canoga Park. Being the oldest in an immigrant-parent household became my motivation of wanting a better future where I can support my parents and grandparents. I am the first to attend a four-year college.

Personal interests / hobbies: I enjoy listening to music and hanging out with my friends and family. I like playing volleyball and watching Friends.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Realist, Amiable, Energetic, Reliable, Persistent

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I hope to spread more joy and kindness to the world. Just by giving a simple smile or money to someone in need can make someone’s day brighter.

CSUN Major: Criminology

Hope to pursue a career in: Criminal profiling.

Personal background: I was born in Guatemala and I came to United States looking for a better life. I am the first person in my family who is going to college.

Personal interests / hobbies: I really enjoy hiking, camping and discovering new places but my favorite thing is spending time with my family.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Hardworking, persistent, friendly, resilient, and happy.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I want to show the world that immigrants can do anything we put our minds to and that we work hard to accomplish our goals.

CSUN Major: Exploratory, interested in Business Law

Hope to pursue a career in: Interested in becoming a lawyer

Personal background: I was born in Tarzana and grew up in Canoga Park. I have two older brothers. Both of my parents are from Mexico as well as most of my family.

Personal interests / hobbies: Outside of school I like to hang out with my friends and family as much as I can. I really enjoy baking, drawing, and traveling when I have time. I also really love eating and trying new foods, spicy food is my favorite.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Family-oriented, friendly, goal - driven, respectful, and open - minded.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I hope to make a difference in the world by being a successful person that contributes to society in a good way, because the world needs more people who have goals and eventually succeed. I also hope to be able to benefit people's lives, even if it's one person at a time, I hope that my future career, and my personality overall, allows me to help people be happier and be better off.

CSUN Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hope to pursue a career in: Architecture

Personal background: My mom is from Guatemala, and my dad is from Mexico, but I was raised in Mexico.

Personal interests / hobbies: I like to play video games, spend time with family, and play the guitar.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Honest, loyal, respectful, caring, and funny.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I try to make a difference when I go to Mexico, My older sister and I go to a pick-up trash, plant trees, and plants in our community. 

CSUN Major: Computer Science

Hope to pursue a career in: Software Engineer

Personal background: I live with my small family of four and we couldn’t be any happier. My mother is from El Salvador and my father is from Nicaragua. I have a brother that’s seven-years old. I am glad that I will be a role model for my brother.

Personal interests/hobbies: Recently, I’ve been exercising at home or going on hikes. Also, I have been painting to explore my creativity.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Persistent, kind, caring, helpful, and responsible

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I hope to spread generosity to everyone I come across. Also, to volunteer anywhere where you can meet kids and aid them to further their education.

CSUN Major: Kinesiology

Hope to pursue a career in: Physical Therapy

Personal background: I consider myself a perseverant person and I feel motivated by my own family to pursue my goals.

Personal interests / hobbies: I love to play soccer as well as other sports. I also like to listen to music and watch comedy shows on either my phone or on TV. I am a friendly guy that also likes to hang out with friends and have a good time.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Perseverant, respectful, funny, smart and honest.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I just hope that one day I can be someone professional with a privilege to help others. I hope that with my effort and passion I will make this world a better place.

CSUN Major: I'm currently exploratory, but I'd like to pursue business administration or business management.

Hope to pursue a career in: Sales management. With a degree, I’d like to have my own businesses and give jobs to other people. I'd like to provide goods for the community.

Personal Background: Before living in the United States, I lived in Jalisco, Mexico for fifteen years, which is where I was born. I am the youngest of 10 siblings. My dad had an alcohol addiction until he passed away in 2009. Later on, my mother moved to the United States and brought my brother, who is two years old than me, and myself to the United States. I have lived in the United States for four years and I have adjusted to the culture and the environment. I live here with my sister, her family, and my brother. As the youngest sibling, I need to show my family what I can do with my education.

Personal Interests/Hobbies: My favorite things to do are playing sports(soccer/volleyball) with friends and family, and listening to music. I always like to keep my mind in something that I know that's is going to help me for my future like good even the movies. I like to play the guitar.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? 
Responsible, hardworking, friendly, helpful, and inspiring

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I’d like to show others that were in similar positions as me that the fact that I came from another country not knowing the language, different, culture, traditions, with new people is possible to overcome.

CSUN Major: Exploratory but I would like to major in music education.

Hope to pursue a career in: Music and art

Personal background: I was born and raised in Canoga Park. In Middle school, I was involved in the orchestra which performed concerts. In High school, I was involved in French Club and Green Earth Club and participated in their events. I have also been in the Hunter band and played for various school events.   

Personal interests / hobbies: I like hanging out with friends, listening and playing music, and sketching and drawing.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Honest, friendly, shy, motivated, and kind.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I hope to show other that being kind to others is important. I also want to show others that it is important to respect people and their differences.

CSUN Major: Cell and Molecular Biology

Hope to pursue a career in: The medical field, more specifically being a pediatrician.

Personal background: I am one of four sons to my mom and dad. I moved a lot when I was younger. I will be the first of my family to graduate from college.

Personal interests / hobbies: I love to be with friends and meet new people. I also love exploring and trying things that are out of my comfort zone.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Realistic, fun, serious, open-minded, and cheerful.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: In the future I hope to assist people in need of medical assistance who aren’t able to afford it but are in urgent need of care.

CSUN Major: Mechanical Engineering

Hope to pursue a career in: Working for Aerospace Engineering company.

Personal background: I am the youngest of three kids. Since a young age I've played basketball, ran track and cross country, and played the trumpet, all of which I continued to do throughout high school. I have two city championships, was the drum-major of a marching band in the Rose Parade, and am part of a High school Involvement Partnership with Northrop Grumman. I love to be active and strive to be helpful whenever possible.

Personal interests / hobbies: I'm interested in robotics and my hobbies include sports/working out, drawing, and marching band.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Leader, independent, hard-working, dedicated, resilient

What kind of difference do you hope to make in the world: My short-term goal for making a difference in my community involves helping youth. I want to be able to help them by sharing my story and answer any questions I can. For my long term goal, I hope the projects I work on as an engineer can have a lasting impact on society by making things easier and safer.

CSUN Major: I am not currently interested in a specific major right now, but maybe soon.

Hope to pursue a career in: I am undecided about the career I want to pursue at the moment.

Personal background: I am a first-generation college student. I am Latina. I am the oldest of three. I was born at the Northridge hospital but grew up in Canoga Park.

Personal interests / hobbies: I love to swim and going to the movies. I love spending time with my friends, but most of all I am a big foodie.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Optimistic, patient, procrastinator, and young at heart,

What kind of difference do you hope to make in the world: I hope to give opportunities to those who don't have them.

CSUN Major: Kinesiology- Exercise Science

Hope to pursue a career in: I am interested in pursuing a career as a personal trainer or a physical therapist. 

Personal background: I come from a very traditional Mexican family which I am proud of. My mom and her family are from Guadalajara, Mexico and came here to the United States when she was only 5 years old. We are a big family, but it also allows me to have a big support system. I am a first-generation college student and I will continue to work hard in school because education is too special to take for granted.

Personal interests / hobbies: My hobbies consist of exercising and hanging out with my family and friends. I enjoy exercising and going to the gym often, anything that will get me up and moving will always put a big smile on my face, My goal is to always stay as active as possible. Being with my family is always fun as well. We like to have family barbeques often at my grandma’s house and enjoy watching soccer games together.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Active, overthinker, determined, polite, and funny.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: There are many issues to choose from, but one that really sticks to me is that we need MORE Women Empowerment in our society. As women, we should not be looked at as weak, sensitive, or just something pretty to look at. Women need more recognition for what we do in this world because it is sad how people can be sexist against women because they don’t think we can get the job done. In reality, we will be the ones who can do it better than anyone else!

CSUN Major: Art/2D and 3D Design

Hope to pursue a career in: Animation

Personal background: With both of my parents being immigrants from South America, I set my heart on becoming a first-generation college student. Growing up in Canoga, a predominately Hispanic community, I grew accustomed to never be ashamed of proudly showcasing my heritage.

Personal interests / hobbies: I like going on long walks at night, watching comedy and sci-fi series, and completing Buzzfeed quizzes.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Creative, confident, tenacious, optimistic, and hopeful.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I want to be able to put a smile on people’s faces. With happiness and art comes beauty, and with those two comes love. Spreading all of these things can make a positive impact to our society, which is even better since we can never run out of love to give!

CSUN Major: Biology

Hope to pursue a career in: Ob/Gyn

Personal background: I am and always have been very goal- oriented. I focus on academics and make sure I put in all my effort into anything that I do.

Personal interests / hobbies: Hobbies I do outside of school would usually be volunteering, swimming, and playing with my dogs. These are favorites to do as they each have their own benefits!

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Passionate, Driven, Respectful, Aware, and Nice.

What kind of difference do you hope to make in the world: I wish to improve the lives of women. I would like to become a gynecologist as many don’t have one to refer to in their own community!

CSUN Major: Sociology

Hope to pursue a career in: Social Worker

Personal background: I have lived in Canoga Park since I was born. I have a brother and two sisters, and I am the second youngest. I’ve grown up in a Hispanic household. Both my parents are from Mexico, specifically Michoacán and Nayarit. 

Personal interests / hobbies: In my spare time, I spend my time playing my guitar and learning new material when I can. I like connecting to music, listening to music and singing, especially when there is karaoke involved. I also love to spend time with my friends and go out and do activities so I can get out of my normal routine. Lastly, I like to travel and go to different places to see new monuments and experience new things.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
I’d describe myself as funny, charismatic, friendly, optimistic, and outgoing.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I hope I can bring awareness to the youth community about self-love and being confident with who they are because everyone is unique and should never be ashamed to express themselves as who they are. I hope I can teach people to open up more and understand that it’s okay to be different and not fit in to a certain image. Spreading positivity is a big thing I hope to also show among the community because at the end of the day, even one small act of kindness can make someone else’s day.

CSUN Major: Liberal Studies

Hope to pursue a career in: I hope to pursue a career as an Elementary school Teacher.

Personal background: I am Honduran and my family immigrated to the United States when I was two years old. Among my three sisters, I am the oldest of the girl crew and will be the first to attend college in my family.

Personal interests / hobbies: Outside of school I like to practice my watercolor techniques and running. I also enjoy hanging out with friends.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
An independent and strong woman.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I hope to encourage my elementary students to attend college just like my elementary school teacher did with me.

CSUN Major: Finance

Hope to pursue a career in: I’m looking forward to working in banks to help people with what is convenient for them.

Personal background: I was born in Woodland Hills on December 13, 2000. My parents migrated to the United States hoping to seek a better future. I’m the older sister of a one sibling and am the first person to go to college.

Personal interests / hobbies: I love to hike at Victory trailheads. Soon I will explore hiking in different places such as Malibu Creek Park. I like to sing and listen to music, mainly hip hop, bachata, and a bit of Banda. Whenever I’m home, I prefer to organize things around my house so that my space looks nice.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Friendly, helpful, organized, optimistic, and caring

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I will want to be able to help families in need. Additionally, I want to help younger generations pursue higher education. I want my community to have the same chance/needs that I have such as food, education, or clothes.

CSUN Major: Real Estate

Hope to pursue a career in: Real Estate Assessor

Personal Background: I’m currently playing Semi-Pro Soccer, I’ve been playing soccer since I was in the 5th grade and I’ve continued to work hard on my skills and I’ve improved a lot since then to get to the level I’m at now.

Personal Interests: Outside of school I like to work-out, play soccer, eat good food, find new music, and take naps.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Over-achiever, loyal, respectful, dedicated, and hardworking,

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I hope to make the world a better place by helping those in need and being someone, people can rely on for anything, even the smallest things. For example, listening to someone in their time of need.

CSUN Major: I am currently exploratory, but I am interested in Psychology and Criminology.

Hope to pursue a career in: I am interested in being a forensic psychologist, detective, or a paramedic.

Personal background: I was born on May 1, 2001. I am Mexican-American and my parents are traditional Mexican individuals; humble and hardworking. My father was born in Mexico and migrated to the U.S. at a very young age for a better life. My mother was born here in the U.S. but was raised in Mexico as well. I am the youngest in my family, I have an older sister. We are all very motivated with big dreams and plan to purse them. Everything I am and have, I owe to my parents.

Personal interests / hobbies: I am very family oriented so I love to spend time with my family and friends as well. I also really enjoy cooking new foods and baking.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Motivated, determined, open-minded, kind, and selfless.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I want to help people with similar backgrounds as myself, knowing that it is possible to leave toxic cycles and be bigger and better in life. Anything is possible.

CSUN Major: Exploratory

Hope to pursue a career in: Teaching, mentoring, school counseling.

Personal background: I was born in Van Nuys, California and moved to Canoga Park my last year of middle school. CPHS was my first experience in a traditional school setting. Having the support of friends and teachers from Canoga made me realize that I am capable of becoming a successful person in school and in life.

Personal interests / hobbies: In my free time I like to listen to music, play the violin or saxophone, and I am always trying to learn something new.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Hardworking, independent, leader, open-minded, and responsible.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I hope to encourage more people to seek higher education and to be given the chance to work with students as they pursue more education.

CSUN Major: Criminology & Justice Studies

Hope to pursue a career in: Something related to law.

Personal background: I was born in Woodland Hills California to a very hard-working family. My parents are from Guadalajara Jalisco, and I’m proud to have Mexican roots. Since I was small, I knew I wanted to attend college and be able to help my family. I’m a first-generation college student

Personal interests/hobbies: Outside of school I like to spend time with my family and friends. I like listening to music, traveling and helping the community.

If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Responsible, caring, hardworking, determined, and respectful.

What kind of difference do I hope to make in the world: I believe that there are so many incredible causes in the world and I wish to bring awareness to them and get people to be involved in the community because if everyone dedicated a little of their time, we can make a big change.