Class of 2020 Strong

Years of college, lifetimes of memories.

This is one of many memories on campus. Just knowing that I was able to meet friends that turned into basically family, created traditions (like the “boba squad” pictured here) that fills my heart with love and something to look forward to after college. This picture was the day we got boba and I joined them in their Stats class that I wasn’t even enrolled in.

- Guadalupe Rodriguez

“You only fail when you stop trying.” - Martin Coat

My favorite memory of my time at CSULB was the drawing and painting’s department trip to New York. Having the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people while visiting artist studios, museums and galleries was life changing. For the first time in my whole scholastic career I felt like I belonged and I was exactly where I should have been. New York pushed us all to our limits both physically and mentally but also showed us the potential for a painter’s life. It gave me hope to know there are places for people like us to flourish. No diploma can equate to how much I learned and the experiences I had on the trip. I wish I could do it all again!

The Graphic Design BFAM has become my family here at CSULB. I’ve enjoyed bonding and creating long-lasting memories with them. We’ve learned and grown together through the program, and I’ll always remember our long days working in the studio on campus. We went through tough times, but we’re always pulling through and supporting each other. Love you guys :)

I absolutely loved being a social media intern for my major’s department with a few amazing people. #CSULBJPR (L-R pictured: Bella Arnold, Nadine Gomez, Richard Grant, Me, and Emma DiMaggio)

- Autumn Lewis

“Always felt like my vision been bigger than the bigger picture.” - Drake

These are a few of many photos from studying abroad in Italy last summer. Studying abroad was one of the best decisions I ever made and highly recommend those thinking about it to do it!

- Rona Rica Barroa

What made my time at CSULB so memorable was getting admitted into the Graphic Design BFA program. The 25 of us were brought together and spent the next two years learning from one another, butting heads from time to time and learning how to cooperate as a team. Most importantly, our common struggles that we overcame as a class and the happy moments we experienced together has allowed us to form an unspoken bond that will always keep us connected whenever we are apart.

I have two favorite memories at CSULB. My first favorite memory was the late night events ASI would always hold, specifically the Festival of Frights (who doesn’t love free pumpkins?). My second favorite memory at CSULB would be going rock climbing with my friends late at night at the SRWC. I remember the first time I went rock climbing there, I got so scared that the moment I reached the top, I refused to let go of the ledge. My friends literally had to coax me down from the top. It was my favorite climb though!

- Naba Shtewi

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” - Oscar Wilde

- Melissa Zuniga

“Treat people with kindness.” - Harry Styles Congratulations Melissa! I am beyond proud, not only of your achievements but of the fine human being that you have become. I am grateful for the opportunity to have raised such a kind, loving, beautiful soul. You have grown so much these past four years. It has been about discovering your best self, to find your own unique place in this world. I am your greatest cheerleader, know that I will always be here to support and accompany you through this journey. Keep doing you, you are the best version of yourself. The best is yet to come... It’s a big world out there, go out and conquer! With more love than you can ever imagine, Mom.

To My Sweetheart, All your hard work and restless nights have led you to this point, from the simple things like trying to find parking to the things that truly tested your abilities as a student, like teachers not replying to your emails. Sometimes you didn’t see your own potential because the stress would overwhelm you, but I believed in you and you rose above. Now your time has come, and I’m so proud of you! Love, Sid

Dear daughter, You have grown up to a beautiful young lady, and you have a bright future, and I’m so proud of you, so congratulations, I love you so much! Dad

(Below) THEA 113: My first class ever at CSULB, 8AM on Mondays. (Left) MKTG 475: Highly recommend this class with the sweetest professor, Professor Mike!

- Karina Hernandez

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” - Maya Angelou

“Don’t look back — you’re not going that way.” - Mary Engelbreit

- Heidy

On god, Knott’s Berry Farm was the perfect way to start off my final semester.

- Erin Haworth

"I can make a promise I can make a plan I can make a difference I can take a stand I can make an effort If I only understand That I can make a change." - Steven Universe, Steven Universe: The Movie

After a traumatic first semester as a Spring 2018 transfer who took a chance on student housing to try and make connections, I was incredibly alone and broken-hearted. The dog therapy provided for finals week brought my spirits up immensely, and helped me make it through those last few weeks before moving back home. It feels like that was so long ago, and yet just yesterday. Although I wasn’t able to make connections then, I’m grateful to have met many acquaintances and professors who I truly enjoyed being around. It’s sad that it will come to an end, especially now that I feel I’ve found my place among both the psychology and American studies departments. Miriam, Christian, Dr. Halim & The Lab, Dr. Kohfeldt, Dr. Ahrens, Professor Dahab, Dr. Lohmann, the entire AMST faculty, Josh, Abby, Kayla, Noelle, Santiago, Victoria, Megan, Julian, Jonathan, Cierra and more: thank you for making my short time here filled with touches of enlightenment and joy.

My favorite memory at CSULB was our last day of finals together!

- Camille Legaspi

My favorite memory at CSULB is when I won this bike from the bookstore because I never win anything! The second floor of the bookstore was also one of my favorite places to hang out in between classes. I’ve spent a lot of time there these past few years!

- Mary Thong

“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” - Maya Angelou