Faces of SSU 2017

Everyone that I have met at SSU has been so supportive and has helped me succeed in becoming a leader on campus.

My name is Emma Forester and I am a second year at Sonoma State University. I am currently an Environmental Studies and Planning major, and I am considering an Applied Statistics minor. I am passionate about the environment and I hope to share my love for wildlife with as many people as possible. I first toured Sonoma State when I was in seventh grade and fell in love with the beauty and spirit of the campus. From that day, I knew SSU would be the place for me. This is my home away from home.

I am currently a Peer Mentor for Science 120. I enjoy being able to help Freshmen with their social and academic transition into college, while also encouraging them to explore the outdoors. I am also involved in National Residence Hall Honorary, a group on campus that recognizes students for their achievements. I participate in the SSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble and I am so glad for the opportunity to continue my musical hobby into college. I am very fortunate to be a part of so many diverse activities, and I hope to keep expanding my horizons as the years go on.

My biggest challenge at Sonoma State is getting out of my comfort zone. I am naturally a quiet person, so the idea of getting involved on campus was intimidating to me. Everyone that I have met at SSU has been so supportive and has helped me succeed in becoming a leader on

EMMA Forester

Environmental Studies and Planning

campus.

I found that I am my happiest while I am on campus, and if you ask me, I’d say that’s a sign that SSU is the place to be.

My name is Guadalupe Paniagua, but most people know me as Lupita.

I am a second-year Hutchins major. I am a first generation college student with a passion to help others, while keeping a smile on my face.

I am currently a Peer Mentor for some of the best students at SSU, and I work for Culinary Services. I was a Summer Orientation Leader in the summer of 2016.

One of the greatest challenges I have faced at SSU is being the first one to move away from home straight out of high school. Being the middle child of five children, I found it hard to move away from my family. I cried for the first three weeks non-stop. However, I wouldn’t change the experience, even with all the tears. I felt that through it I was able to gain a greater appreciation for the time that I had with my family.

Asking me to pick one of my most positive experiences at SSU is like asking me to pick my favorite character on Criminal Minds. Impossible.

My whole experience at SSU has been wonderful so far. The faculty, my peers, the leaders, the supervisors, and even community members are all amazing. I am proud to say that I have yet to have a negative experience at SSU. I found that I am my happiest while I am on campus, and if you ask me, I’d say that’s a sign that SSU is the place to be.

Lupita Paniagua

Hutchins School of Liberal Studies

If you want to make change you have be brave enough to use your voice.

My n ame is A l ex Sah i m a nd my preferred gender pro n o u n s are he /hi m/his . My m aj or i s P re- Bus ines s wit h a m ino r in Q u e e r S tu d i e s. I a m i nvol ve d i n 5 c lubs a nd Res ident ia l Life . I am a s mall grou p l ead e r for In te r va rs t iy Chris t ia n Fellows hip, a me mb e r o f Q ueer S t rai gh t A l l i a n ce, I m prova ho lic s , Bible Club an d Blu e B a ronz . I a m a l s o a Th e med L iv ing Adv is o r fo r E x pres s ive Ar ts in A lican te.

A chal l e nge for m e wa s f inding a s pa ce o n ca m pus t h at I tr u ly co nnecte d w i t h an d m a king s ure t ha t t he env iro nm en t was a cce p ti ng of a l l my i d e n t it ies . To do t ha t I ha d to m a ke s o me changes w h i c h I wa s a p p rehens ive to do , however if yo u wan t to make ch ange you h ave be brave eno ug h to us e yo u r vo ice .

T h rou g h cl as s e s an d Th e H ub I beca m e m o re inc lus ive with my lang uage . I con t i n u ou s l y lea rn m o re a bo ut mys elf a nd h ow to em brace an d exp re s s m o re o f my ident it y a s a gay Ch r is tian wh ile maki ng my m a r k h e re at S o no m a .

Alex Sahim

Pre-Business Queer Studies Minor

I am a concert enthusiast who is a part of the Black Student Union, Roteract club, and Educational Opportunity Program/Seawolf Scholar.

M y N a m e i s Ti a Co o p e r I a m c u r re n t l y a 2 n d ye a r a t S o n o m a S t a te . I wo r k o n c a m p u s a t t h e l i b ra r y a n d l ove t a l k i ng to yo u a l l . I a m a co n ce r t e n t h u s i a s t a n d m u s i c l ove r . I a m p a r t o f t h e B l a c k S t u d e n t U n i o n , t h e Ro te ra c t c l u b , a n d l a s t l y Ed u c a t i o n a l O p p o r t u n i t y P rog ra m / S e awo l f S c h o l a r s .

S o m e c h a l l e nge s I h ave ex p e r i e n ce d a t SS U d e a l w i t h l a c k o f d i ve r s i t y . S o m e p o s i t i ve ex p e r i e n ce s h a s b e e n go i ng to eve n t s o n c a m p u s s u c h a s s h ows i n Pe r s o n T h e a te r , t h e G re e n M u s i c Ce n te r , t a k i ng a d va n t a ge o f my RSA s t i c ke r , a n d s p o r t i ng eve n t s .

TIA Robeanna Cooper

American Multicultural Studies

I’m a first-generation student who is working on becoming a better person who can inspire other Latinos to pursue a higher education.

My n ame is J or ge Ve l oz Cis nero s , I ’m a s eco nd yea r at SS U pu rsui ng a B i oc h e m i s t r y m aj o r, a nd a m ino r in Chica n o an d Latin o S tu d i e s. I was b or n i n Za ca teca s , M ex ico , but ra is ed in O aklan d , CA. I’ m a fi r s t - ge n e ra t i o n s t udent who is wo rking o n b e co ming a b e tter per s on w h o ca n ins pire o t her La t ino s to pur s u e a h igh e r ed u cati on . I h ave got te n invo lved in c lubs t ha t w ill h e lp me b e co me a b e tter st u d e n t an d l e a der, like M E SA ( M a t h E ng inee r ing S c ie n ce Achi eveme n t ) , t h e Un d o c u S c ho la r Co a lit io n, Ba llet Fo lklo r ico a nd Si g ma Lam b d a B e t a I nterna t io na l Fra ternit y I nco r p o rate d .

T h ese cl u b s h ave h e l p e d m e to develo p my lea ders h ip s kills an d to co nnect wi t h s t u d e n t s w ho s ha re s im ila r ex perience s like me .

W he n I fi rs t ca m e to SSU , I felt o ut o f pla ce beca us e o f th e lac k o f diversi ty o n t h i s ca m p u s . When I a s ked fo r help, it was d e n ie d o r it fel t l i ke I was a s k i ng fo r a favo r. O n t he brig ht s ide , I was ab le to fi n d peo p l e on cam p u s who I co uld rela te to like my S c ie n ce & Tech n ol ogy Ad vi s or , Ar i a na Apa ric io , w ho co nt inues to p rovid e me g u i d ance as I m a n e uver my s c ience c la s s es a nd invo lve me n t o n t hi s cam p u s a s a n u n do c um ented s t udent . I wa s a ls o ab le to co nnect wi t h s t u d e n t s a nd pro fes s o rs who a re know le d ge ab le a ro und d i ve r s i t y i s s u e s a nd t he f irs t - genera t io n s t u d e n t ex pe ri ence t h a t h ave h e lped m e feel m o re co nnec ted at th is in sti tu ti on .

JORGE Veloz Cisneros

Biochemistry Chicano and Latino Studies

I hope that I can expand people’s horizons and get them associated with clubs and activities they never considered.

My name is Anthony Macy, I am in my sophomore year here at SSU studying music with a concentration in vocal performance. I am actively involved in the music department and helping students find their niche on campus. I hope that I can expand people’s horizons and get them associated with clubs and activities they never considered. I am part of the Peer Mentor program on campus, I love working with freshmen and helping them not only learn how to live on campus, but rather how to succeed and thrive within their individual passions.

I am also part of the Symphonic Chorus on campus and love learning more about music and being able to perform with a group of incredibly talented individuals. I love it because it allows me to both perform and learn from others at the same time. Challenges I have faced have been balancing a 17 unit course load, a job and maintaining social connections with friends and students. Challenges I have faced are roommate troubles and finding connections outside of the music department, because it is such a close knit community it can be challenging to make bonds with people in other departments.

Being a peer mentor and being involved in the music department have been some of the most amazing experiences of my college life. I have developed friendships and connections and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come to SSU and I hope to bring that joy to others.

Anthony Macy

Music

I am here to say to all aspiring underrepresented students wanting to become doctors: It is possible! Si se puede.

My name is Monica Morales. I am a third-year student majoring in Biochemistry with a Spanish minor. I am the oldest of three siblings, and a first-generation college student. I am a proud Latina aspiring to become a physician. I am actively involved in the EOP, Bible, PreHealth, Rotaract clubs, the MESA Program, and recently became a McNair Scholar. I have held leadership roles as a Peer Mentor, Summer Bridge leader, and Bible Club president. I have also participated in STEM conferences, and joined student panels for underrepresented groups like Puente at SRJC. I enjoy meeting and interacting with all types of students and faculty, and I believe that collaboratively we can establish more opportunities for students to become competent leaders.

Being a minority in a STEM major at SSU has been difficult and overwhelming. I have encountered professors who have questioned my ability of becoming a doctor. However, these experiences helped me to grow stronger and work harder to achieve my dream, and to proactively reach out for help. Having overcome discouragements and obstacles, I am here to say to all aspiring underrepresented students wanting to become doctors: It is possible! Si se puede.

One great experience that I am truly grateful for is being a part of the Educational Opportunity Program, which has been my family since my freshmen year. EOP has always expressed the Seawolf Commitment, and has helped me to strive for the highest ethical standards.

I am a proud and grateful Seawolf!

MONICA Morales

Biochemistry Spanish Minor

My passion is working with children and being an individual that others can turn to for help and happiness.

My name is Taylor Newman and I am a junior at SSU. I am a Liberal Studies major in the Hutchins program. I am from the Bay Area where I grew up in the town of Livermore. My passion is working with children and being an individual that others can turn to for help and happiness.

I currently work as a staff member for the Information + Tickets Desk of the SSU Student Center. It allows me to share my love for SSU and being that welcoming face to students and people of the community. I am also a member of Alpha Delta Pi, which has given me amazing friendships as well as becoming more involved and immersed in the SSU community.

I have found it challenging being half African-American on a campus that lacks ethnic diversity. Being a part of a small, unrepresented group of individuals has made me feel excluded, but through my academics I have acquired new understandings into this issue and how I can make a difference in forming inclusive environments.

The most positive experience I have had here is being a part of Hutchins School of Liberal Studies. My professors have pushed and encouraged me to surpass limits that I never thought I could reach. I am excited that I will be able to impact and influence the lives of future generations with the knowledge and skills I have gained all thanks to the opportunities and individuals that I have met along my journey here at SSU.

taylor Newman

Hutchins School of Liberal Studies

Sonoma State has become a home away from home

My name is Ying Stroebe and I am a sophomore at Sonoma State University studying Psychology, focusing on Organizational Psychology.

Originally I thought I would attend a local college; however, I realized I wanted a different experience. It has been important to me to balance academics with social and community activities.

Sonoma State offers many opportunities for me to have balance. With Freshman Year Experience I lived with different types of students and co-created a community. In Join Us Making Progress, I got to volunteer with other students to give back to the local community, while learning to work together. By participating in both intramurals and club volleyball, I get to continue to express a passion that started in the 4th grade. This year I am fortunate that I work for Associated Students Productions. I enjoy this, it allows me to bring important and fun events to the students and surrounding community.

One of my first challenges at college, being an only child, was that I had to learn how to share a room with someone. It challenged me to be conscientious and flexible with others needs. What helped is support from a diverse group of people with varying viewpoints and experiences. With academic challenges of college work, I have received excellent guidance from several instructors, who encouraged me to work hard and be creative. I now get to participate in a Teaching Internship in my major. With relief, then delight, Sonoma State has

ying Stroebe

Psychology

become a home away from home.

With my involvement, I became more aware of the obstacles that underrepresented students face in completing college

My name is Patricia Ayala Maci­a s, I am first generation college student from Napa County. In my family, I am the middle child and the second to go to a 4-year college. I am a double major in Chicano & Latino Studies (CALS) and Business Administration and minor in Spanish. I am a Chicana that hopes to pursue a graduate school degree in Education.

I have been in several student leadership positions: Peer Facilitator for SYRCE, Summer Orientation Leader, Peer Mentor for First Gen, and Co-Chair for MALCS de SSU. In each student leadership position I took on, my goal was to help students find their passion, connect them with resources, and encourage them to get involved at SSU. With my involvement, I became more aware of the obstacles that underrepresented students face in completing college, and made me more determined to work towards eliminating those barriers.

Many of the obstacles I have experienced at SSU is having to work with many people that do not understand what marginalized communities have to experience on a daily basis.

The CALS department has been my family, support group, and guidance to continue to pursue my passion and work that I want to accomplish.

Being a Peer Mentor for First Gen has been an amazing experience in seeing so many first generation students come together and finding their support group.

patricia Ayala MacĂ­as

Chicano and Latino Studies Business Administration Spanish Minor

I work everyday to reach my greatest potential.

Though it is a struggle, the rewards outweigh it all.

My name is Stewart Cubillos, and I am a Business major with an emphasis in Marketing. I plan on minoring in music, which has been a passion of mine almost all of my life. I plan on owning/designing my own clothing company as well as producing my own music on an industrial scale.

My involvement on campus began when I heard about a job opening as a student assistant graphic designer. I have always been interested with design so I jumped on the opportunity as soon I could, and before I knew it I was working for Seawolf Living. Through working with my team I have been able to learn about cooperation, marketing strategies, as well as improve my design skills. I thoroughly enjoy creative expression and view it as an investment for the future.

I live by the phrase “hard work pays off”, and with that being said it is difficult to continue being motivated when the fruits of your labor are deferred. Through experience I’ve learned to continue the grind until it pays off. I work everyday to reach my greatest potential and sometimes the pay-off isn’t evident until months afterwards. Though it is a struggle, the rewards outweigh it all.

Since arriving at SSU, I have met what I already know to be life-long friends. I’ve learned crucial life lessons and seen myself grow to the point where I’m eager to see what the future holds. My experience at Sonoma has been priceless and it has assisted me in finding my vision in life.

Stewart Cubillos

Business Administration Marketing Concentration

Follow your dreams and work hard for what you want.

Make an active plan and achieve your goals.

Life’s a marathon, be kind and enjoy the run.

Hi, I’m Andrew, I am a hardworking Business major that loves to be involved with the community around me. As a junior at SSU I continue to stay heavily involved as a leader in different organizations, clubs, and at my job on campus to enrich the lives of Seawolves around me. I bring a positive attitude and a lot of energy to any task at hand. I am very personable and I love interacting with my fellow Seawolves on and off campus.

As a member of the Alpha Psi Fraternity here on campus I am enriching the community as a leader of an organization that is an inviting community to Seawolves, and constantly giving back to the community through charity work. I show excellent leadership skills and creativity in my on campus job as a marketing student assistant as well. As a marketing student assistant I find creative ways to portray the ideas of student organizations and the school, which creates expressive content that fairly represents and intrigues seawolves. I am also an endurance athlete with an insatiable appetite for success and creating meaningful relationships with others on campus.

andrew DeSantis

Business Administration

I now feel like I am involved in something larger than myself, and I have gained the confidence I never even knew I would have!

M y n ame is Allan a Pe e rce, I prefer she/her/hers pronouns a nd I am a ju n io r th is ye ar . I am a n Anthropol ogy major, a nd wa nt to wo r k fo r a n o n -p ro fit wh en I gra dua te beca use I a m so pa ssi ona te ab o u t h e lp ing o th e r s . I am i nvol ved i n a few thi ngs here on camp u s ! I am an ex p e r ie nce l ea der for Al terna ti ve Spri ng Brea k th ro u gh th e J U M P o ffice . I a m a l so a pa rt of Greek l i fe a nd a s e co n d ye ar Co mmu n ity Serv i ce Adv i sor (CSA).

O n e c h alle nge th at I h ad comi ng to Sonoma wa s getti ng i nvol ved.

I came fro m a s c h o o l o f 40 0 students where i t wa s ea sy to get invo lve d . M y fir s t s e me s ter i n col l ege I di d not do much other th an go to my c las s e s . S econd semester of Freshma n yea r, I d e c id e d th at I n e e d e d to become more i nvol ved i n my communi ty b e cau s e I wan te d to make a n i mpa ct. Second semester I joi ned a s o ro r ity, s tar te d vo lu n teeri ng for JUMP, a nd took the Uni versi ty 2 38 c las s s o I co u ld b e come a CSA. G e tting invo lve d was o n e of the best deci si ons I have ever ma de.

I n ow fe e l like I am invo lved i n somethi ng l a rger tha n mysel f, a nd I h ave gain e d th e co n fid ence I never knew I woul d even have.

S o n o ma h as mad e me th e confi dent a nd outgoi ng person tha t I

allana Peerce

am to d ay!

Anthropology

The privilege of growing up in my own bubble was amazing but Sonoma has tested and pushed me past my comfort zone and I am now better for it.

I am An d re a H e r n an d e z, 3rd yea r Chi ca na here a t Sonoma Sta te U n ive r s ity, majo r ing in G eogra phy wi th a mi nor i n Anthropol ogy .

I co n s id e r mys e lf a q u ie t person, but to my fri ends I never seem to ge t in e n o u gh wo rd s . I a m extremel y pa ssi ona te a bout soci a l ju s tice is s u e s , wh ic h is w hy I wa s gi ven the pri v i l ege to work a t J o in U s M aking P rogre s s (JUMP) wi thi n the Al terna ti ve Brea ks P rogram, wh ic h re ally e mpha si zes serv i ce a round soci a l justi ce is s u e s . I go t invo lve d with the progra m my 2nd yea r here a nd h ave n o t le ft s in ce . I am a l so a fond l over of trees a nd a l l thi ngs n atu re , an d with wo r king a t the Outdoor Resource Center I get to s h are my p as s io n ab o ut na ture wi th others. I a l so pl ay on the Wo me n ’s C lu b U ltimate Fri sbee tea m (D’ Vi ne) a nd the young lad ie s th at I ge t to s h are my pa ssi on wi th have qui ckl y become my family h e re .

I came fro m a c ity wh e re the majori ty popul a ti on wa s Hi spa ni c, an d co ming to S o n o ma S t a te Uni versi ty wa s a major cul ture s h o c k fo r me s e e ing th at the majori ty here i s Whi te. I ha d never re alize d h ow p r ivile ge d I wa s to grow up i n a communi ty tha t re fle c te d s o mu c h o f my persona l i denti ty unti l I ca me to Sonoma S tate . I t was a c h alle nge to a djust, but through the a djustment

Andrea Hernandez

Geography Anthropology Minor

I h ave fo u n d s o me o f my best fri ends a nd most pa ssi ona te ad vis o r s th at tr u ly wan t to see me succeed, a nd I tha nk to S o n o ma S tate fo r b r inging them to me.

SSU is my home away from home, it only took a small challenge of exploring that made my past three years on campus so worthwhile.

My name is Cristina Johanna Ramos and I am a Filipino American, born in Vallejo and raised in Fairfield, CA. I am a Hutchins Liberal Studies and Humanities major with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies. I am passionate about building a sense of community, I believe that it takes a village to raise an individual. I’m an ACE Peer Mentor on campus and my ACE community has shown me how hard work and determination can open doors not only for me, but for many others too. The experiences you have in college are what helps shape the person you are and what you want to become. I want to create an equal, positive community where peers, staff, and members can immerse themselves and open doors to connections and opportunities.

My experiences at SSU have been rewarding and challenging. As a freshmen, I struggled with an abusive relationship where I felt as if I was preventing myself from growing as an individual. My sophomore year I began my leadership journey. Part of being an individual on campus means to understand your values, culture, and identity. I’ve had many positive experiences since I’ve come to SSU. Many of which presented the concept of “Rasanblanj,” a collective reflexive community; from meeting peers with similar values to going to concerts, plays, and movies on campus. SSU is my home away from home, it only took a small challenge of exploring that made my past three years on campus so worthwhile.

Cristina Ramos

Hutchins Liberal Studies Women’s and Gender Studies Minor

I am a proud Mexican-American woman whose purpose is to salir adelante.

My name is Heidi Parra and I am a second year Psychology major. I am a first-generation college student who is eager to learn and make a change. I am from Richmond, California, the city of pride and purpose.

I am a proud Mexican-American woman whose purpose is to salir adelante get ahead.

A challenge I have faced here at SSU is feeling intimidated when I know I’m one of the few people of color in my classes. However, I remind myself that I have worked as hard as everyone here and have earned my seat at this University. Getting involved has helped me overcome this challenge. I am involved in Ballet Folklorico de Sonoma, Blue Baronz, the EOP Club, POSSE Club, ASP, and I volunteer with JUMP. These clubs/ organizations are important to me because they encourage diversity on campus, academic excellence, and a positive change at SSU and the local community. Through these clubs I have made lasting friendships with relatable people. I am passionate about promoting diversity on campus because there are many amazing things within every culture.

Sonoma State has opened doors to many opportunities, such as allowing me to take positions in my clubs and host events. I have grown into a more open-minded person, as both a leader and independent adult. After having many great leaders around campus motivate me to get involved, I have developed my own passion to help lead and positively motivate others.

As a proud Seawolf, I will continue to make a change.

heidi Parra

Psychology

SSU has given me meaningful relationships, experiences, and opportunities that have transformed me into a strong and well-rounded individual.

My name is Maddie Wright and I’m a third year Political Science major and Philosophy minor. I grew up in a relatively small town, so I’ve always been interested in broadening my horizons. SSU has given me meaningful relationships, experiences, and opportunities that have transformed me into a strong and well-rounded individual.

Getting involved in many great organizations was a rewarding decision.

My freshman year I joined the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, D’Vine.

My team quickly became my second family. I am now captain and safety officer of D’Vine. I landed a job as the social media organizer at the Center for Community Engagement on campus. I really enjoy my job because it connects me to local nonprofits in a way that benefits the faculty and students of SSU. I also represent the California Faculty Association as their Student Organizing Intern. It is amazing to work with students to bring about positive change to the school I greatly care about.

In September of 2015, I spent four weeks in the hospital suffering from Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which was caused by a strain of E.Coli. HUS made my kidneys shut down, my red bloods cells destroy themselves, and deteriorated my muscles. During my illness I had to be life-flighted, was misdiagnosed, underwent six blood transfusions, and many other grueling things. Upon returning to my normal life, I didn’t dis-enroll. I worked extremely hard physically and mentally to make-up everything I missed and completed the semester with excellent grades.

madelyn Wright

Political Science Philosophy Minor

I do not give up so easily, even if I hit rock bottom I still find the will to keep going.

My name is Lucero Alvarez Viyera, I was born in Michoacan, Mexico but raised here in Sonoma County. I’m a Biochemistry major and am currently a second year. As a female first-generation minority in a STEM field I am proud of where I am today because of the challenges I have faced in life as a teen parent. Here at SSU I have learned that I am a very stubborn person. I do not give up so easily, even if I hit rock bottom I still find the will to keep going.

I’m currently a Peer Mentor for the Chemistry FLC, and I really enjoy this job because I struggled a lot as a freshman. I know the struggle as a freshman and this is why I want to guide confused and stressed freshman with my past experience and show them nothing is impossible if you truly want it.

My biggest challenge here at SSU I’d have to say is balancing my school work and being a mom. If I want to do well I have to dedicate myself to school more but if I dedicate myself to school more I will spend less time with my daughter. But I know what I want in life and I know I will eventually get the hang of being a college student and a mother.

A positive experience here at SSU I would have to say is being a

Lucero Alvarez Vieyra

Biochemistry

Peer Mentor, this position has opened my doors tremendously and I have made a great connection with the Chemistry faculty.

The people I’ve met and the connections that were built led me to my growth as a student here.

My n ame is J e ffrey D avi d, I a m Filipino bo rn a nd ra is e d in Vallejo , CA. I am goi ng i n to my 3 rd yea r a s a K ines io logy m ajo r . I always lo o k to hel p a ny ot h e r o f my fellow peers beca us e I wo u ld like to see eve ryon e exce l . I t h i nk s uppo rt is a big pa rt o f eve r yo n e ’s a ca d e m i c care e r a n d t h a t it ca n co m e f ro m a ny w here .

S o m e of the grou p s I’ m a f f ilia ted wit h a re E OP, U nited fo r S u ccess, Pe e r Me n tor s , a nd FA ASS U . When I f irs t ca me o n to th is ca mp u s, I was s t r u ggl i ng to f ind w here I f it in a s t ude n t o f co lo r .

I fel t as i f I d i d n ’ t fi t i n and t ha t I wa s dif ferent f ro m th e majo r ity o f s tu d e n t s . I h ave n ’ t m a de it t his fa r o n my ow n. T h e p e o p le I’ve m e t and t h e con n e c t io ns t ha t were built led m e to my growth a s a studen t h e re . I can a ls o s ay t ha t t hes e peo ple are my gre at fr ie n d s an d t h ey a re t h e m o s t enj oya ble pa rt o f my ex p e r ie n ce he re at SSU. B ei ng a pa r t of grou p s s uc h a s E OP a nd FA ASS U , I ’ve me t p e o p le w h o are co n s t a n t l y s u p p o rt ive a nd j us t g rea t peo ple to b e a ro und. Th rou gh t h e m I’ ve fo und a ho m e away f ro m h o me . S o me o f t h e peo p l e h e re i n s p i red m e to beco m e invo lved a s a s tu d e n t le ader suc h a s Pe e r Me n to ring . I j us t wa nt to be a ble to give sup p ort to ot h e r s t u d e nt s , where I ’ve a ls o been s up p o r te d .

jeffrey David

Kinesiology

I challenge myself as a student leader to promote self-defense at SSU and raise awareness of sexual assault and bullies in our community.

Taking the opportunity to become a student leader has been one of my main factors to becoming successful! My name is Giovanni Del Valle and I left my home in beautiful San Francisco to earn a degree in Business Marketing at Sonoma State. As a senior, I have grown in many ways over the past years through experiences and mutually beneficial relationships with faculty and students on campus. I learned that the beauty of the SSU experience is the opportunities that are provided to you. It’s all about taking the initiative to make the necessary steps to progress yourself in what you love to do.

The biggest step I’ve taken at SSU was becoming a student leader!

It began with starting my own campus organization called Sonoma State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As the instructor and president, I am able to collaborate with other organizations such as FAASSU and The Vagina Monologues to teach self-defense to students in order to raise bully and sexual assault awareness. I am also one of the few club officers who are members of Sports Club Council in which we take pride working on various projects to improve the program.

One of my greatest experiences at SSU was embracing students and helping them achieve what they deem physically impossible. Also, my goal and greatest challenge was to have a mental impact on my team to create a sense of tradition of the Brazilian martial art, and create a family-based relationship that we can all benefit from.

Giovanni Del Valle

Business Administration Marketing Concentration

My primary involvements on campus are working for ASP and studying music, which are both serious, time-consuming responsibilities.

My name is Colin Chinn. I am a Music major, my instrument of choice being the classical guitar. I was born and raised in Washington State, spending my formative years in Tacoma, which I still call home. On campus, I am a director at Associated Students Productions, a branch of the Associated Students in the Student Center. My primary involvements on campus are working for ASP and studying music, which are both serious and time-consuming responsibilities. I often feel there are many common misconceptions when it comes to Music majors.

However, music requires so much consistent practice and focus that it can sometimes be overwhelming, but at the same time it is incredibly rewarding. ASP also demands a lot, being responsible for the events that are seen on campus and all that goes along with that.

As an event planner and student leader on campus, I consistently have to be a professional, attend meetings, brainstorm ideas, as well as be responsible for a committee. Being the youngest of four siblings and also being the first to go to a University, one of my greatest challenges has been figuring out the college experience for myself and learning to look out for myself with little guidance. Switching majors my second year proved to also be one of my most challenging experiences here at SSU. I see my job on campus, every relationship I’ve ever forged, and being privileged enough to learn something new every day all as positive experiences.

colin Chinn

Music

Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.

He l l o! We wou l d l i ke to s t a rt by int ro duc ing o urs elve s . We are the Sanche z fam i l y, b u t to be s pec if ic , o ur na m es a re : M ar is a S an ch e z, Mi ra n d a San c h ez , a nd Jo s hua S a nc hez . We are a family w h o fe l l i n l ove w i t h Sono m a S t a te, a nd ho pe to m a ke an imp ac t o n t he sch ool .

T h i s sch oo l h as c h al l e nged us a ca dem ica lly by pus h ing u s to grow a nd expan d ou r k n ow l e dge to new lim it s . Co m ing to S o n o ma, we have l e arn e d s o m u c h alrea dy , a nd ca n’t wa it to s ee wh at th e fu tu re has to offe r u s .

S o m e thi ng u n i q u e ab ou t t he t hree o f us is we a re a ll o n th e me n ’s a nd wome n ’ s s occe r te a m s . We have ha d a n inc redib le ex p e r ie n ce playi ng so cce r h e re a n d t he tea m s have ha d s uc h pos itive in f l uence s on ou r l i ve s , b et tering us a s indiv idua ls .

Marisa, Joshua Miranda Sanchez

Biology & Business Administration

I consider myself an activist for social change, a leader on campus and an academically focused student.

I’m a queer Chicanx person of color named Quinn and I am currently a second year majoring in Women’s and Gender Studies. I am in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) as a first-generation college student with a historically low income background. I consider myself an activist for social change, a leader on campus and an academically focused student. I also try to promote diversity, community, and unity while striving to be an active voice on campus. A challenge I have faced here on campus is finding a new family since my family at home did not accept me as queer.

I became connected with CAPS and Transcending Boundaries where I found a family of students who were trans themselves and dealing with similar issues that I was. They gave me a sense of belonging and security that allowed me to blossom into the leader I am today. In my time here I have been involved in the EOP club as their secretary and president working to promote events where students of color voices are heard, and where we can come together to bond and find a home. I have also been involved off campus as a volunteer with in a workers union called UNITE HERE. I worked with hotel and casino workers and teach them how standing up to injustice can create change. This past summer, I was given the opportunity to be a Summer Bridge leader for EOP and be a Peer Mentor helping first generation students smooth their way into college.

quinn Prado Diaz

Women’s and Gender Studies

I am an undocumented first generation college student, who strives to open the gates of education and communication for the most marginalized members of our community.

My name is Edgar Sanchez. I am an undocumented first-generation college student, who strives to open the gates of education and communication for the most marginalized members of our community.

I am a third year Communications major who, with the power of writing, has attempted to tackle the issues that are most important for students. When I first came to this country in 2006, knowing absolutely no English, I didn’t think I would make it this far. I am now determined to continue my education past a Bachelors Degree; not only for myself and for my family, but for the many who like me need mentors to support them with the challenges of our educational system.

While at Sonoma State I have held active positions for the Sonoma State Star as a writer and assistant editor. I am also the Operations Coordinator for the Recreation Center and an active brother of Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity Inc. My experiences at SSU have shown me that life is the way you perceive it and if you are determined to succeed, doors and opportunities will emerge for you.

Being the first in your family to attend a University is not easy.

Balancing school, financial needs, family and friends can be overwhelming. For me, surrounding myself with others who share similar life experiences has been key. My brothers of NAK and I use our challenges to uplift each other.

edgar Sanchez

Communication and Media Studies

Overall my experience at SSU, both in and outside the classroom, has been remarkable. I will cherish many of these moments for the rest of my life.

I will be studying abroad for a total of two years as an ambassador for Sonoma State University.

Hello! My name is Sean Person, and I am currently a senior at Sonoma State studying English and Business. During my time spent at SSU, I have become greatly invested in international relationships within Sonoma State’s own Center for International Education. In the academic year of 2014-2015, I was given the opportunity to study abroad at Ajou University in Suwon, South Korea; after which, I developed a strong appreciation for those of different cultural backgrounds.

Now, for the academic year of 2016-2017, I have been given a second opportunity to study abroad at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan.

Living in Japan has been an amazing opportunity for me because it has allowed me to expand my connections even further with those from other countries specifically those from East Asian society. I will be studying abroad for a total of two years as an ambassador for Sonoma State University.

The main challenge that I have experienced was finding and discovering the interests that I want to pursue in the future in regards to career ambitions and life ambitions. But now, I finally understand what I want to pursue, which is international relations. On the other hand, the main positive experience I have had at SSU is the interaction between faculty and myself. My professors have always gone above and beyond to help me succeed, and they are the reason that I’m able to study abroad once again.

sean Person

English