CSUDH News

The primary source of news and information about California State University, Dominguez Hills, its students, faculty, and staff.

Alumni

It’s an Emotional Win-Win for Alumna Brittany Esnayra

By

Alumni Brittany Esnayra
CSUDH Alumna Brittany Esnayra has been named Teacher of the Year by Paramount High School, and the Paramount Unified School District.

Brittany Esnayra is often approached by her “kids” when she is out in the community. Some are now in their mid-20s, and they recall fond memories of Paramount High School Senior Campus, and many share their gratitude at having had her as a teacher for their English Language Arts (ELA) class.

The California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) alumna has been teaching at the school for over a decade now. For the past four years, she has worked in tandem with her co-teacher Jennifer Salido, a unique relationship that she says is more like a “workplace marriage.”

“My co-teacher says that she’s the tough one, and I’m more of the loving type. I let the kiddos know I’m really friendly, but even with a soft heart I still expect order and high achievement, “shared Esnayra, who serves as the Resource Specialist Program (RSP) teacher and is responsible for educating the students in their class who have a disability and are on an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

A “soft heart” has proven to be an important asset for Esnayra when teaching students with an IEP, a program developed to ensure that children with identified disabilities receive specialized instruction. It has certainly helped her earn a lot of respect from her students and colleagues, as well as administrators who recently named her this year’s Teacher of the Year of Paramount High School, and Teacher of the Year of the Paramount Unified School District.

“We have a very calm class. I was sitting there testing a student, then our principal and assistant principal walked in and told me this wonderful news, and I started crying,” says Esnayra. “I told the student, ‘You never know when good things are going to happen to you, and it’s okay to cry over good things.’”

Esnayra earned her Bachelor in Liberal Studies from CSUDH in 2008 and completed the master’s program coursework in Special Education in 2016. Kate Esposito, professor of Special Education at CSUDH, is one of several faculty who had a profound effect on her.

“Dr. Esposito would constantly remind us that the real experience will come outside of the books – when we set foot in the classroom,” she says. “Her encouragement and reassurance that ‘This is a lot to learn, but trust me, when you get to the classroom, you’re going to understand what it’s all for.’ She was right!”

That holds true for Esnayra to this day. She cherishes her time in the classroom and is actively engaged and authentic with her students. As an RSP teacher, she is responsible for ensuring that the students get their recommendations and modifications met, and that they reach the benchmark goals of their work plan.

“I’m good about clarifying directions for my students,” she says. “I make myself available outside of classroom hours, so they know that I am always there for them. It’s important to let them know they’re loved.”

Esnayra spent her early childhood years in Paramount before moving to North Long Beach at the age of 9, then to Lakewood four years ago. She believes that it is vital for students to know their teachers’ background.

“I want them to know that I’ve been in their shoes. I have a child that is close to their age, so I tell them that I wouldn’t say or teach them anything that I wouldn’t want my daughter to know. I let their parents know that as well,” says Esnayra, who views being a role model as just as essential.

“Five or six years ago, one of my students, who was also from Long Beach, found out that I lived in the area. She said ‘Wait, Ms. Dotson [her maiden name] grew up in North Long Beach and lived at the Parwoods [a housing project], and she became a teacher? Well, that means I can become a teacher, too.’”

“That really touched my heart,” says Esnayra, who has been accepted to CSUDH’s School Leadership Program and will start in fall 2021. “It confirmed for me that I can be a positive example for young people. Like a lot of my colleagues, we came from the community, we thrived, and were successful in pursuing our educational goals. The fact that this student saw light in my path and it encouraged her to follow it, that means everything to me.”

Alumna Rhiannon Chavez Named LAUSD Teacher of the Year

By

Alumna Rhiannon Chavez Named LAUSD 'Teacher of the Year'
Alumna Rhiannon Chavez with LAUSD students.

Hearing “Mrs. Chavez, we miss you!” from her 4th grade class encouraged Rhiannon Chavez to set up a weekly summer Zoom call to check in with her students. Some have shared their Lego creations, while others just talk about their day. One asked “Can we do this every day?” and she thought, “Wait, this is my summer vacation, too.”

Summer had been a welcome break for teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Like her colleagues, Chavez has had to adjust to online teaching methods during the pandemic, and her role at Gardena’s 186th Street Elementary School as teacher of the English Learning Development (ELD) class presented unique challenges.

Fortunately, the California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) alumna has a deep love of teaching and prides herself in creating holistic learning communities for her diverse students and their parents. This made the transition to online teaching much easier for Chavez, who achieved a nearly 100 percent student attendance rate on Zoom in the spring.

Rhiannon Chavez, ELD teacher at 186th Street Elementary School.
Rhiannon Chavez, ELD teacher at 186th Street Elementary School.

Chavez’s zeal and resourcefulness as a teacher has not gone unnoticed. This summer, Chavez learned that she was named a LAUSD 2020 Teacher of the Year. “I cried when they called me, and the faces of my students began running through my head,” she says. “I’m so honored, and the love of my kids just makes this greater. Teaching is challenging. There’s not a single day that is easy, but it’s a lot more rewarding when you have relationships with your kids and their families.”

Respect for different cultures is a primary focus for Chavez, and what helps guide much of her lesson planning. “My classroom is the most beautiful display of language and culture. I’ve had students from Egypt who speak Arabic, from Brazil who speak Portuguese, and even one from Cameroon who speaks French. It is amazing what these kids bring to the classroom,” she says.

Chavez calls her teaching style loud and dramatic. “That’s my personality, and my kids love it. We sing, we dance, we even do rap songs to math problems. I ask the kids to throw in some lyrics, then say ‘Get up. Let’s do our rap,’” she says. “It’s always fun, even while teaching online, where I still encourage them to share their ideas – because usually their ideas are better than mine.”

CSUDH Professor of Teacher Education Jeff Sapp is elated that Chavez is being honored for her work.

“I am so thrilled that Rhiannon will get the attention and celebration she deserves! She was an absolute joy to have in my classes during her credential program and I have followed her career closely,” Sapp says. “It’s just a joy to see your students be acknowledged like this, and this feels even more critical now with the pandemic. Teachers really need to be lifted up as we face the realities of COVID-19 and classrooms.”

Chavez has now been teaching the ELD class at 186th Street Elementary School for six years. She began her career in education as a substitute at Dana Middle School in San Pedro, where for nine years she was called in to work nearly every day. After getting married and having a child of her own, she decided she would rather teach younger kids and applied for CSUDH’s credential program. She completed the program and earned her credential in spring 2014.

The university helped Chavez get a student teaching position at 186th Street Elementary School. She began as a kindergarten teacher for eight weeks, before moving on to her master teacher Claudia Garcia’s 4th grade class.

“My master teacher had to take some time off, and since I had been a sub already, I kind of knew the ropes,” explains Chavez. She made a good impression, and when a position opened, Garcia recommended her to the school’s former principal, fellow CSUDH alumna Marcia Reed, who earned her teaching credential at CSUDH in 2003.

Reed has retired as principal but is still an educator. She has returned to CSUDH, teaching Culturally Responsive Teaching and Classroom Management as an adjunct professor, and also serves as the multiple subject clinical coordinator.

“Ms. Chavez is so deserving of this prestigious award because she builds relationships with excellence and love,” Reed shares. “Her students soar academically, artistically, and peacefully because she upholds high expectations, promotes active learning experiences, and builds relationships, relationships, relationships! Her students love her and they know she loves them. We are so proud of our Wise Owl Teaching Star!”

Chavez credits her CSUDH professors for many of the core principles she draws from while teaching, and those in the College of Education for actively helping her relaunch her career.

“Lilia Sarmiento (associate professor of teacher education) and Professor Sapp were incredible,” she says. “We weren’t just a student ID, or in a classroom to fill space. They really took the time to know us and asked about our thoughts and experiences. I learned so much about how to build relationships from them, because they built relationships with me. I can’t thank them enough.”

Alumni Offer New Student Orientation Tips and Advice

By

Alumni Offer New Student Orientation Tips and Advice
CSUDH Alumni Gyasi Vardes, Janae Oliver, and Jonathan Henderson recorded videos to new students

In a typical year, CSUDH’s New Student Convocation is a chance for the university to welcome and greet its new freshmen and transfer students. At the convocation, new Toros begin to acclimate themselves to the campus, meet fellow students and faculty members, and generally get acquainted with what college life is all about. As we all know, though, 2020 has not been a typical year.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s convocation took place virtually, as has almost all instruction and campus business since the lockdowns began in March. Faced with our current virtual reality, the CSUDH Alumni Association decided to use the unique situation to do something a little different to help new students connect to the university. They commissioned a series of short videos from a range of distinguished alumni, who offered their advice, support, and enthusiasm to the new Toros.

Among the alums who shared their stories was Major League Soccer star Gyasi Vardes (B.A., Criminal Justice, ’17), currently of the Columbus Crew, who advised students to get on top of their studies “from day one” on campus. Jonathan Henderson, who earned both a B.A. and M.A. in sociology from CSUDH, offered up a practical way of developing relationships with professors – taking directed reading or research courses that allow you to work on projects one-on-one with them.

Janae Oliver (B.A., Political Science, ’01) contributed a video advising new students to get involved on campus and get to know their professors, because that’s what helped her thrive at CSUDH. “I literally would not be the person I am today, had it not been for me getting involved on campus, knowing who my professors were, and taking advantage of the resources that are on that campus, says Oliver. “The collaborative spirit of the university really went a long way.”

Like all the alumni who contributed videos, Oliver was more than happy to help. “I remember all of the people, professors, and mentors I had,” she says. “They invested in me, so I think it’s really important that, if you are invested in, you also invest back into students who come behind you. I think it’s important to instill the little nuggets of wisdom that you get along the way.”

Many of the alumni stressed getting engaged with the campus community as one of the most important aspects of their university careers. Sherry McCaskill (Applied Studies, ’11) advised new students to “Get connected beyond the classroom! We have some really great tools and resources.” Kishore Ramlagan (B.S., Business Administration, ’14) shared that “networking will take you many places and open up opportunities for you.”

One thing that every alum agreed on was that new students should enjoy themselves while they’re in college – it goes by awfully fast. Ariana Stein (B.A., Business Administration, ’09) summed up the thoughts of many contributors with one simple, encouraging bit of advice: “Have fun, enjoy, and study!”

CSUDH Alumni Videos for New Student Convocation can be viewed on the CSUDH YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoRUr3uNJuhzBmeZJzqb2dx3dvpL9qxMn.

Alumni Share Knowledge and Try Their Hand at Teaching During Professor for a Day

By

Alumna Dehra Lopez teaches the course Occupational Interventions III during the 2019 Professor for a Day program.
Alumna Dehra Lopez teaches the course Occupational Interventions III during the 2019 Professor for a Day program.

Passing on knowledge and advice that will help both students and their industries thrive are among the top reasons California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) alumni return to their alma mater for the university’s annual Professor for a Day. Experiencing teaching at the college level and as a potential future career option is another.

Victor Hugo Rodriguez
Victor Hugo Rodriguez

This year, 31 alumni became honorary professors in the most industry-diverse cohort in Professor for a Day history, which after six years has grown to cover several days.

Alumna Dehra Lopez (’12, M.S., Occupational Therapy), an occupational therapist (OT) who works full-time for Windsor Gardens Convalescent Center in Long Beach, tried her hand at teaching OT students in the Occupational Interventions III course.

“Professor for a Day is a great opportunity to let people experience teaching to determine if there is an appropriate fit because not everybody can teach. You have to have the aptitude for it,” said Lopez, who is both a full-time clinician in the nursing home and performs at-home health for patients. “I’ve been practicing since 2012 and my job is very physical. I’m cognizant that I will not physically be capable of doing this forever. That’s part of the reason I’m here. I’m trying to purposely diversify my skill set so later on academics could be an option for me.”

Organized by CSUDH’s Office of Alumni Relations, Professor for a Day pairs each alumni with classes that match their fields, which Lopez appreciates. In fact, she believes that OT professors help more patients than those practicing in the field since they are continually educating new cohorts of clinicians.

Dehra Lopez ('12, M.S., Occupational Therapy)
Dehra Lopez

And more clinicians may just be what the doctor ordered. During her lecture, Lopez told the students not to worry about finding work; that there are plenty of jobs in the diverse OT workforce.

“You won’t have a problem getting a job. It might not be your dream job initially but it’s a great way to get experience and to figure out what you really like,” shared Lopez, who spent less than half of her time lecturing before taking the students into the OT lab next door for hands-on instruction.

“My first job was for a for-profit. I bounced around and they tried to push me into management. I was like, ‘Hey guys, I’m a new grad. Let me get my footing,’” she added. “Now I’m at a not-for-profit, and I love it. After working for a while I started doing home health, too. That’s what is good about OT–the world is your oyster.”

Alumnus Mike Mazur (’99, M.A., Business Administration) founder of El-Segundo-based 3 Phases Renewables, a leading supplier of comprehensive renewable energy solutions, enjoys taking on new challenges and knew that teaching would be one. He was assigned an Introduction to Environmental Studies course during Professor for a Day.

Mike Mazur
Mike Mazur

“I decided to take a shot at it [Professor for a Day]. The last time I taught was right after graduating from engineering school. I had started work as a young engineer and taught an electricity class in college at night,” Mazur recalled. “I always take challenges and I’m in a business that requires risky steps, but now it’s in the environment industry rather than engineering.”

Teaching again was an interesting and meaningful experience for Mazur. “I hope it [his lecture] will be beneficial for them in the future. Since I have plenty of gray hair now, it’s probably time for me to start sharing some of my knowledge and experience in the renewable industry with younger people.”

Mazur appreciates the Professor for a Day program’s main objective of exposing students to the knowledge of seasoned professionals in their selected field of study.

“It is a big deal to have people from industry teach you . I always value practitioners in conjunction with professors,” he said. “People coming from the real world bring a lot of value to students. It’s the next best thing to actually working.”

During his lecture, Mazur and his students explored the various forms of renewable energy, such as solar, wind, and geothermal gas, and where they come from and how the industry is structured.

Rosemary Diaz
Rosemary Diaz

“It’s a very good industry right now. Job openings are growing. Renewable energy is still kind of an emerging industry, even though I’ve been doing it for 20 years,” Mazur said. “Energy in the past was mostly secluded behind the closed doors of utility companies. It wasn’t taught well in college, and not too many schools are teaching it now. I think it’s time to take it seriously if people want to want to create ‘green deals,’ and a huge part of that is education.”

Mazur has advice for other CSUDH alumni interested in experiencing teaching for the first time.

“Go teach kids. I’ve heard others say it’s a great way to connect and a great way to express yourself, and it is. You could also think of it as another venue to promote who you are, what your company does, and why your products are good for people,” he said. “But most importantly, it creates continuity, transparency, and a connection to the real world for them. It’s really important to think who you will be doing it for–the next generation.”

Alumni Return to Campus to Help Celebrate the Investiture of President Parham

By

Alumna Theresa Ramirez spleaks on behalf of CSUDHs Presidential Scholars during the Inguration Gala on Feb. 9.
Alumna Theresa Ramirez spleaks on behalf of CSUDHs Presidential Scholars during the Inauguration Gala on Feb. 9.

The inauguration of Thomas A. Parham as California State University, Dominguez Hills’ (CSUDH) 11th president provided the perfect opportunity to welcome alumni back to campus to celebrate a new era for the university. In a series of Inauguration Week activities that took place Feb. 5-9 and culminated in a formal ceremony installing Parham as president, the CSUDH Alumni Association invited five alumni to serve as featured speakers and share their experiences as students, impart the knowledge they have gained in their professions, and express their enthusiasm for CSUDH’s future.

Raymund Diaz
Raymund Diaz

Raymund Diaz (’02, B.A., political science/English literature), deputy district attorney of Orange County, spoke to close to 300 students and guests during the Student Semi Formal Dinner on Feb. 6. Diaz brought his wife and father–both CSUDH alumni–to the spirited dinner and dance.

 

 

 

Maria Villa
Maria Villa

During the Investiture ceremony on Feb. 8, Maria Villa (’82, B.S., business administration), partner in the Law Offices of Lathrop and Villa, offered remarks on behalf of the alumni and the university’s Philanthropic Foundation Board. She joined a diverse gathering of the Parham’s friends, colleagues, and spiritual leaders speaking at the ceremony. Among her many achievements, Villa was elected the first Hispanic attorney to serve on the California State Bar Board of Governors.

 

 

 

Keshia Sexton
Keshia Sexton
Fred Tapia
Fred Tapia

Keshia Sexton (’08, B.A., Africana studies), director of organizing for the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust, joined Fred Tapia (’01, B.S./’03, MPA, public administration), senior business analyst for Crystal Stairs, Inc., during a panel discussion where they shared why they chose to attend CSUDH and the pride they have experienced as Toros. The panel spoke to thousands of prospective students and their families on Feb. 9 during the first Preview Day for freshman and transfers who had been accepted to the university for fall 2019. Following the panel, the future Toros attended Discover Dominguez Hills, a festive community-focused day of interactive multidisciplinary learning experiences that included tours, a college-based academic showcase, hands-on games, and demonstrations, as well as dance, theatre, and music performances.

Capping off Inauguration Week was the Inauguration Gala and Benefit for the Presidential Scholars Program, which was held at Ritz-Carlton in Marina Del Rey on Feb. 9. The gala raised more than $300,000 for the program. Former Presidential Scholar Theresa Ramirez (’04, B.S, biology), program manager in the Office of Public Affairs at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, spoke at the black-tie event providing an exceptional example of what presidential scholars can achieve. Ramirez also strives to empower future Latina leaders as chair of the Mujeres de HACE (Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement) DC/McLean Alumnae Board, and as a board member of Latinas Leading Tomorrow.