Fall 2020

CSUN Major: Art-Animation

Personal Background: I come from a family of immigrants who came to the US from Guatemala. Due to the fact that the working conditions in Guatemala are not the best, just like many others, my parents came here after completing their High School education in search of better work opportunities. I was born in the U.S. in a Los Angeles hospital in China Town, and I am the youngest out of 3. I have this world in my head that I want to bring to life, and art does help in doing so. Having a career in animation or special effects is something I dearly want because it would help me bring joy to other people. That career choice is my answer to the question of how are you going to help society; I would give people a way to help relax, which would help increase work production. 

CSUN Major: Exploratory 

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

Personal Background: I grew up in Guatemala and at the age of 13, I moved to the United States for a better life and education. I am the first person in my family to attend college. I love video games and soccer. I also like to listen to electronic music, draw, read, but the most important thing is to spend time with my family. Something I've always been obsessed with is helping to prevent Global warming, Marine pollution, and its effects so that younger children can enjoy life in the future. 

CSUN Major: Mechanical Engineering

Personal Background: I am proudly Mexican and Salvadoran and I was born in the United States, Woodland Hills. I’ll be a first-generation college student, majoring in mechanical engineering to become a neurosurgeon with a specialty in mechanical engineering. While in high school I was engaged in multiple programs and had a position in almost every club. I was involved with the West Valley Boys & Girls Club and their college-bound program, president of the Keystone program (a leadership club that focused on academic success, career preparation, leadership, and community service), and represented the West Valley Boys & Girls Club as their Youth of the Year nominee 2020 (Youth of the year is the highest honor any Boys & Girls Club member could receive). By tenth grade, my involvement in College Bound led me to enroll in college courses at Los Angeles Pierce College.  In addition, I was also involved with the Northrop Grumman High School Involvement Partnership Mentoring/Scholarship Program and was District President of Skills USA and President of Canoga Park Senior High First Robotics Competition Team (Engineering programs that helped build students’ characters and skills for STEM).

I am passionate about working to make equitable and affordable health services available to all Americans, regardless of their formal citizenship. My high school experiences helped me expand my own knowledge but, perhaps even more importantly, these experiences helped me realize how important it is to provide these types of opportunities to all students. Through my understanding of medicine and medical advances, I have become more aware of the medical disadvantages and inequity of medical services to many marginalized communities, including the elderly, undocumented immigrants, and low-income individuals and families - inequities I know I am now addressing and will continue addressing whether I’m in college or my career.

CSUN Major: Art

Personal Background: I come from a Hispanic Immigrant household. I plan on being the second person in my family to have attended college and to pursue my dream of Art through Animation. Having been born here in the U.S., a lot of pressure is placed upon me from my parents to take advantage of the abundant opportunities here that were never made available, nor possible to them. I plan on succeeding with my passion for Art and therefore demonstrating to my parents my gratitude for their sacrifices to provide for me a better life.

CSUN Major: Exploratory 

Personal Background: I’m excited to be a student at California State University Northridge. Although I have yet to declare a major, I’m considering a degree in business administration. After watching my parents run a restaurant for many years, and learning how to cook at home, I knew I wanted to work in business. I was fascinated by their hard work and the culinary knowledge they brought home with them. I was adopted from the foster care system as a child and have made a loving connection with all his family members. I’ve learned from I’ve family’s hard work and values and I hope to make strong connections with those in Bridge to the Future and college as I pursue my Bachelor’s degree. When I’m not busy doing classwork or reading, I enjoy boxing and playing basketball at the park.  

CSUN Major: Mechanical Engineering

Personal Background: I’m attending California State Northridge University in the fall of 2020 as an incoming freshman. 2020 hasn't been the best year but has made me realize that all I have for myself, is my family who has been there for me since forever. I was born in Tarzana California into a family with two brothers and four sisters and many other siblings. Once I turned five, I was placed into the foster care system, where I lost my touch knowing what family is. Over time I began to realize it is those who are in your life, those that help push you to your goals, dreams, those that give you that unconditional love and support. It's been long enough without realizing it but now I have I can't wait to join the B2F family, where they will help me overcome the tough college challenges, all for my benefit and that's what a family is for helping us to improve upon ourselves. I wish to become a strong bond in the B2F family because I was built a family man. 

CSUN Major: Criminology & Justice Studies

Personal Background: The things that I enjoy include football, motivation, music, discipline, friends, family, basketball, and church. My talent is being so motivated, having positive thoughts, and keeping on going when things get hard. I also help out my friends, family, and my community.

CSUN Major: Real Estate

Personal Background: I came to the U.S from El Salvador when I was about to turn 5 years old. I believe that was the best decision my parents made to escape the violence during that time. With my parent’s motivation and hard effort, I have the privilege to continue my studying, and thanks to b2f for the opportunity to pursue my dream in real estate. My parents/family mean everything to me love seeing them smile and be happy for the child I have become. I’m looking forward to this new chapter in my life of online college and wishing the best for myself and thanks again for the opportunity of myself and my parents' hard work and dedication.

I really love investing money, I own a custom 1991 Toyota pickup so far I’ve been offered almost $10K for my car but my car has no price it means a lot to me. I love music I honestly can’t live with it besides rock. On my free time I like to watch The Pawn Shop because since I was small, I loved investing money. In elementary school, I used to trade my school lunch for $2 and then after school enjoy a good ice cream cone. When I got to high school I started investing in shoes and reselling it was a good profit to my pocket but then the crisis (covid) hit and it wasn’t that good of a business anymore. Like my father once told me money don’t come to us we have to go to it.

CSUN Major: Mechanical Engineering

Personal Background: I was born in El Salvador. At the age of four, I migrated to the United States chasing the American Dream with my parents. My goal at the moment is to make my family and loved ones proud because they're what motivate me to be successful, I consider them highly important. I do not have a set mindset on what career path I would like to take, there are many opportunities in mechanical engineering so I tend to have an open mindset and consider looking further at any focal point. My hobbies are music and anything related to cars like driving, working on them, going to car meets, etc.

CSUN Major: Art

Personal Background: I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, and I’ve always had a passion for creativity. Namely, I love creating diverse characters and stories that are fantastic and adventurous, but real and emotional. My goal in life is to use the stories that I’ve been developing over the years to create some kind of entertainment media that I can be proud of, and that people can enjoy, relate to, and find comfort in.

CSUN Major: Political Science with a minor History

Personal Background: Both of my parents were born in Manilla, the capital of the Philippines. My dad immigrated to America in 1977 and eventually took my mom with him. I am the youngest in my family. I have two twin sisters both are 23 and currently go to college/ trade school. I also have an older brother who is 24, who also goes to CSUN. I was born here in the San Fernando Valley in West Hills hospital. I lived in the San Fernando Valley all my life, living everywhere in the valley from Woodland Hills to Sylmar.  My family inspires me to dream big and pursue my goals. Although they may drive me crazy sometimes, they are my support system, and without them, I would not be the person I am today. My interests include public speaking and history, and my hobbies are playing basketball with my friends, bike riding, and playing video games, like NBA 2k, Madden NFL, Grand Theft Auto, and Minecraft.  I would describe myself as energetic, independent, caring, adventurous, and hardworking.  

As a history teacher and basketball coach, my goal is to empower all my students and players to speak out and stand up for what they believe in. I also want to motivate and inspire them to dream big and pursue their ambitions and goals. 

CSUN Major: Accountancy 

Personal background: I’m a first-generation and will be the first to attend a university. I was raised by my single mother and older brother. I love to dance even though I’m not even that good. I like to paint and take photos of random things or my family. I have 4 adorable cats who are so spoiled but they don't even show me love. 

I would describe myself as loud, energetic, determined, extroverted, and a little crazy. I want to create a no-judgment zone, I want people to feel safe and secure and not feel judged with whatever they might be feeling or discussing. 

CSUN Major: CTVA - Screenwriting 

Personal Background: Hello, my name is Alberto and I am a Cinema and Television Arts Major with an emphasis in Screenwriting, and I'm planning on double majoring in Art-Animation since they have the same road map and it's possible  in four years. I love stories. I grew up on my carpet floor looking up at my blocky CRT TV, astonished at the beauty of animation and cartoons. It is my goal to one day create my own animated tv show or movie, but I will be satisfied if I make it anywhere in the Hollywood industry. My family is something that is very important to me, and they support me in my career choices. I am always terrified of how unstable the Hollywood business is since it can make you or break you, but I am confident in my abilities. I want share these stories that I can write about, and I hope that I can make it come true in the near future. 

CSUN Major: Engineering Management Technology

Minor: Entrepreneurship

Personal Background: I was born in Hyderabad, India. I moved to the US in 2018. I developed an enthusiasm for exploring the technology sector when I was younger, and that interest led me to my major at CSUN. I like researching topics related to the latest inventions and connecting with people. I want to contribute to sustainable innovation with technological advances in my career pathway. My ultimate goal in life is to travel the world, discover new places, and experience adventures. I’m grateful for the support and resources I received and, I am determined to give them back to the community as an act of showing my gratitude.

CSUN Major: Mathematics 

Personal Background: My full name is Ryan Kaine Perez. I’ve been living in Canoga Park since I was born, but my family is originally from Mexico. It has been extremely difficult for my parents since they're first-generation Americans. They were married at a young age. My parents did go to college, but they were unable to finish. As a person, I think of myself as a hardworking, quiet, friendly, respectful, and a lazy person at times. Others, including my fellow peers, would think of me differently. They think of me as a smart, competitive, and a funny person. I like to think of myself sometimes like that as well. But as I grow as a person, I am starting to learn and develop many more qualities and personalities as I adapt to new situations, such as being a leader when needed or being loyal to others. I have many different types of interests as I have discussed previously. My main interests are music, video games, computers, technology, cartoons, certain movies, and drawing. My skill in drawing has reached a great height because I have been drawing for the majority of my life. For music, I generally like to listen to j-pop. I find Japanese music and culture very fascinating because it’s very complex and different from what we daily hear and see today. 

CSUN Major: Kinesiology

Personal Background: My name is Jadah Pickwoad, I am an incoming freshman at CSUN and I will be majoring in mechanical engineering. A few things that are important to me are my family, friends, and being successful at school. A few talents I have are being an athlete, being able to draw, paint, and being able to solve problems that come my way creatively. I played a few sports in high school. These sports included soccer and football. I planned to also play softball but after an injury, I was unable to. I played on the boy’s varsity football team, where we won the city championship for Canoga Park High School. I also played on girls’ varsity soccer. These are a few things that I am proud of, especially playing tackle football with the boys and scoring a touchdown.

CSUN Major: Public Health

Personal Background: Hi! My name is Jan Marie Kyrene O. Pua, but you can call me 'Kyrene' for short. I am 19 years old, I was born and raised in the Philippines, and I am the youngest child in my family. My parents and I moved here to the United States three years ago. Being an immigrant is challenging, but I'm proud of how we've adjusted and stayed faithful and unified as a family; I owe it all to our God, who gives us unconditional love and grace. My family and friends are the most important people in my life; I draw strength and courage from them since they are my biggest motivation. Other than my family, the people who have inspired me are the people I met in school. The teachers & staff have been very supportive of me since day 1; they believe in my skills, and the potential I have. Because of my love for music, I got inspired to play instruments like the guitar, keyboard, and ukulele. I'm the happiest when I get to play instruments and just jam along with my mother or friends. My biggest personal goals are to continue working on my growth mindset, be more confident in public speaking, and become more resilient. One day I want to look back and be proud of myself for achieving these. Moreover, one of my career goals is to be able to master and be passionate about the job I'm in. 

CSUN Major: Business Administration 

Personal Background: My name is Gabriela Ramirez Perez. I was born and raised in El Salvador. I am proud to be Latina. I came to the United States when I was sixteen years old. I attended Canoga Park High School. I am a first-generation college student in a family. I am part of The Bridge to The Future program. My major is Business administration in Global Supply Chain Management. My favorite hobbies are dancing, exploring new things, traveling, and reading.

CSUN Major: Interior Design

Personal Background: At 17, I emigrated to California with the idea of continuing my dreams. I graduated from Canoga Park High School as a scholar of distinction of the Class 2020. I am a responsible student (GPA 4.0) with excellent skills in learning and handling various responsibilities with discipline. At Canoga Park, I won several awards for my outstanding performance as a hardworking student. I am a proud member of the Bridge to the Future program at CSUN as a Cohort 4. I will be the second of a first-generation college student and the first of an immigrant-generation college student in his family. I am ready for what the future is preparing for me in college and I am very motivated to change this academic drought in my family by following my education dream.

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Personal Background: I was born Tarzana and raised in Canoga Park. I come from an immigrant family whose roots lie in Mexico. I am the third child of four kids and a first-generation college student. Some of my interests include basketball, fish keeping, space travel, and annoying my sisters. Growing up, I was involved in many activities that allowed me to realize the importance of furthering my education. My goals after these four years are to continue to be successful and to ultimately work for NASA and travel through space. I would consider myself responsible, hardworking, organized, independent, and motivated. I hope to inspire others and push them to chase their dreams.

CSUN Major: Exploratory

Personal Background: My parents came to the United States from Mexico with my two older brothers because there are more opportunities for them to give their family a better life. Not long after I was born at Northridge hospital here in California. Growing up I have always had a passion for singing and dancing and all things related. I even joined choir and dance in the fifth grade. In middle school, I made lots of friends and continued my passion with music, and took lessons to try to play the piano. In high school, I decided to try out for Cheer and got in. I was very hardworking and motivated throughout my four years in Cheer. I have learned a lot from being a part of a team. From learning how to work together and how to push myself individually. Throughout my life I have also loved to help people in any way I can, whether it is a friend in need, helping a teacher, or volunteering at school. Starting a new chapter in my life, I would like to continue to help and I would like a career where helping is in the mix. 

CSUN Major: Psychology

Personal Background: I was born in Downtown, Los Angeles but was raised in Canoga Park. I hope to become a positive influence on my peers and continue to raise awareness on a variety of issues. Dancing is something I consider a hobby but am always interested on improving this skill. I am looking forward to meeting new people and creating new friends at CSUN despite the times we are in.

CSUN Major: Biology

Hope to pursue a career in: Medicine  

Personal background: I was born in California to a Filipino-Chinese mother and an Irish-American father. As the youngest child and only daughter in my family, I was always inspired to work hard to make a better future for myself. My family is the most important part of my life. Not only are they my role models, but they are my biggest motivation. Without my parents and my older brother, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I like reading books, watching Netflix, and spending time with my family and friends. I want to make the world a safer place by going into the field of medicine where I will one day help cure countless ailments.