For their strong academic achievement and extensive service to the university and the community, Talina Minasian, an Occupational Therapy (OT) student, and Kristina Chandler, a public administration major, have received the California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) Alumni Scholarship.
Minasian, a graduate student who lives in La Crescenta, plans to use the skills and knowledge she acquired at CSUDH to “help individuals prevent, cope, or manage a diagnosis or injury” so they may live as independently as possible.
“I felt so many emotions as I read the [scholarship award] letter. I was so excited to have been selected and felt privileged and very appreciative toward the committee for recognizing my accomplishments,” said Minasian, who is carrying a 4.0 GPA. “I am lucky to attend a university that offers a vast variety of scholarships that recognize students’ contributions and their hard work. I can’t wait for the day when it is my turn to give back and help other students, just as the university has helped me.”
Both students received $2,000 awards. To receive the Alumni Scholarship, a student must be enrolled full-time and have earned at least 12 undergraduate or eight graduate units at CSUDH with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA when they apply.
Chandler, an undergraduate student who plans to pursue a law degree after graduating from CSUDH and work as a contractual or entertainment lawyer, has been active on campus as a volunteer in the Office of Student Life and as a member of the Loker Student Union board of directors. She has also volunteered at New Trinity Baptist Church in Oxnard for the past five years to, she said, “serve people in the community who are less fortunate than me.”
“I enjoy participation within the community and university because it has allowed me to grow into the person I am today. Growing up, I experienced many socioeconomic and financial hardships. At a young age, I started to get more involved with my community and school in order to escape my troubles at home,” said Chandler, who grew up in Oxnard but currently lives in CSUDH Student Housing. “Being involved has truly enriched my life in various ways.”
Along with her academic achievements, Minasian has logged thousands of hours of community service, including assisting occupational therapists during treatment sessions for preK-5th grade students in the Burbank Unified School District. She has also provided activities, comfort and general assistance for the elderly at Verdugo Valley Convalescent Hospital and patients at City of Hope.
“For as long as I can remember I have always loved to volunteer and give back to the community. All through high school, I was extremely active and committed to my community and the satisfaction I received from helping others was blissful and provided me with a strong purpose,” said Minasian, who plans to use the scholarship to pay for tuition, books, and rent. “Every community volunteer event I plan or attend not only benefits individuals who are in need, but also enrich my life by satisfying my desire to give back and make a difference.”
