The Class of 2022 has navigated more than their fair share of trials and challenges on their road to commencement. Below, graduates from the CSUDH Presidential Scholars, McNair Scholars, and Toro Guardian Scholars programs share their thoughts on their student experience at the university, inspirational faculty members, future plans–and what makes being a Toro so special.
Angela Costes, Presidential Scholars Program
(BS, Kinesiology)
What have you valued most from your college education?
I valued the opportunities and support I’ve received from DH. I wasn’t born in the U.S., and am very much aware of the struggles and lack of support that many students in the Philippines face. I feel very grateful to go to a college that not only values its students, but the cultural diversity and knowledge that its student community has to offer.
How has CSUDH changed you?
CSUDH has changed me in many ways, but most importantly, I think it has made me more confident in myself. CSUDH is actually the second university I’ve transferred to. I went to nursing school at another university, but I realized that path wasn’t for me. I lost a lot of confidence in myself and my academics during that experience.
CSUDH’s supportive, compassionate faculty completely changed my life and how I viewed myself. I truly don’t know where I would be without this experience.
What was the most important thing you learned?
I’ve learned to be compassionate to others, especially your peers. Each person lives a different journey and we truly do not know what people live through on a daily basis. I’ve learned to make each of my interactions with my peers and faculty as meaningful as I can, with the hope that I can impart a positive impact on their lives through even small interactions.
What are your career or educational plans?
Next fall, I will be attending USC’s entry-level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program. USC has the top-ranked occupational therapy school in the nation, and I feel very blessed to be able to attend. By 2025, I will be Dr. Angela Costes! My career goal is to become a certified hand therapist.
What drew you to your major?
The importance of meaningful living is what drew me to my major. Rehabilitation, especially occupational therapy, focuses on bringing individuals back to the occupations they love most–which is so important to me. Rehabilitation allows people to live their life to the fullest.
What’s your favorite memory from CSUDH?
Meeting Mia Leccese from the Presidential Scholar’s program! She was so helpful in my transfer transition, helped me navigate a new school through COVID, and ended up becoming my coworker! I’m going to attend USC with her in the fall, so she’s definitely going to be a life-long friend.
Daniel Diaz, McNair Scholars Program
(BA, History)
Are you the first in your family to graduate from college, and what does that mean to you?”¯
Yes, I am the first person from my immediate family to graduate from a four-year university. Finishing my undergraduate education has granted me the ability to construct a foundation for a better future for myself through academia, while strengthening my own self-worth and self-capability.
What have you valued most from your college education?”¯
My time spent as a scholar with the McNair Scholars Program.
How has CSUDH changed you?
My time spent at DH saw me change from a passionate young man to a mature young scholar who is just beginning his career in academia.
What was the most important thing you learned?
Discovering my own personal capabilities. I have been able to attain a bachelor’s degree and pursue a master’s degree in public history.
What are your career or educational plans?
I am currently pursuing my master’s in public history at Oklahoma State University. I plan to complete my PhD in the same subject, then attain a tenured faculty position at a Research-1 level institution.
What drew you to your major?
A passion for research and the discovery of the unknown.
What is your favorite memory of CSUDH?
The day I was inducted as a McNair Scholar! Becoming a McNair Scholar changed my academic life and has allowed me to continue my education beyond my bachelor’s degree.
Anita Kapila-Ramirez, McNair Scholars Program
(BS, Psychology)
Are you the first in your family to graduate from college, and what does that mean to you?”¯
Yes! I now have opportunities afforded to me that my ancestors did not, and for that I am eternally grateful for their sacrifices and support. As a non-traditional student as well, my journey to this degree has been quite long, but it means so much to be able to cross this finish line despite all the roadblocks and setbacks placed in front of me throughout the years.
What have you valued most from your college education?
The selfless guidance I have received at CSUDH from so many who are genuinely willing to help! From my mentor, Kevin Montes, to Michelle Martinez and Gabriela Montes in the McNair Scholars Program, and SO many more, I have learned invaluable education and life skills that will help me navigate my next steps, whether it’s graduate school or my future career.
How has CSUDH changed you?
I have gained a level of confidence and sense of community on this diverse campus that truly makes me feel like I, too, have a place in academia if I choose it.
What was the most important thing you learned?
Learning through a pandemic has definitely thrown some curveballs my way! Because of that, I would say that cultivating diligence and patience have been a key to my academic success.
What are your career or educational plans?
My next step is obtaining an MA in clinical psychology here at CSUDH. I will be starting that journey next fall. After that I plan to get licensure, and then a PhD.
What drew you to your major?
I have always had an interest in psychology. As a child of immigrants navigating two distinct cultural worlds, I always wondered how the social self can differ depending on the situation, and that really started my love for the subject. However, after caring for an ill parent, my research interests started to develop, and CSUDH really helped cultivate that!
What’s your favorite memory from CSUDH?
Being able to travel to a conference where I had the opportunity to present current research was definitely one of many highlights!
Mia Leccese, Presidential Scholars Program
(BS, Kinesiology)
What have you valued most from your college education?”¯
I have valued the connections I have made through my college experience the most. I now have amazing friends, mentors, and future colleagues that I know I can always lean on. I learned very quickly that Dominguez Hills truly cares for their students and will go above and beyond to ensure their success.
How has CSUDH changed you?”¯
CSUDH has provided me the opportunity to excel at everything I do. It has allowed me to grow and truly make my goals into a reality. I have been able to learn all the necessary skills and background for Kinesiology and I feel extremely prepared for graduate school.
Dominguez Hills also showed me that it is okay to speak up and ask questions! Through the support of my department and its faculty, I have been able to come out of my shell and become a leader. I served as president of the Kinesiology Student Association, presentied a research critique at the Western Society for Kinesiology and Wellness, and was a mentor for underclassmen seeking advice.
What was the most important thing you learned?”¯
The most important thing that I have learned is that you are never alone. Dominguez Hills has truly been my village over the past four years and has shown me that I am surrounded by people who will always support me.
What are your future career/educational plans?”¯
After CSUDH, I will be attending the University of Southern California to complete my doctorate in physical therapy. I will earn my DPT by 2025 and will begin my career as a physical therapist. I plan to specialize in hips and pediatrics!
What drew you to your major?
When I was 12 years old, I broke my left hip in a soccer game. I was told it was a pulled groin, so I returned to playing. About six months later I could barely walk and was in excruciating pain. I went to an orthopedic surgeon and was quickly diagnosed with Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis–a week later I underwent emergency surgery to place two titanium pins in my hip.
I was in physical therapy for a year and a half, and would always come home from therapy excited to share what I had done with my parents. Looking back, it was an extremely rewarding experience. This is what drove me to my major and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
My goal is to become just like my therapist, helping patients achieve their goals and return to the things they love by creating unique rehabilitation programs that will make them eager to come into the clinic and regain their strength. I hope that every patient I care for develops a love for physical therapy as large as mine.
What’s your favorite memory from CSUDH?”¯
My favorite memory from CSUDH is being part of the Presidential Scholars Program and being the president of the Kinesiology Student Association. Each of these organizations allowed me to proudly show my Toro Pride and introduced me to some of my closest friends.
Andrew Leung, Presidential Scholars Program
(BA, English Education)
What have you valued most from your college education?
I truly value the community at CSUDH. There is no other place that comes to mind when I think of a community where people treat each other with such kindness, respect, and generosity.
How has CSUDH changed you?
My professors have enabled me to explore my research interests. I have had two academic articles published in peer-reviewed journals during my time as a student here.
What was the most important thing you learned?
The most important thing I have learned is how supportive and kind people are. I am very fortunate to have known so many wonderful people here.
What are your career or educational plans?
I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in English at CSUDH. I would then like to get a doctorate and become a professor myself. As I have been inspired by educators, I wish to inspire students.
What drew you to your major?
Communication through writing is so important, and I chose to study English to further my communication skills. At CSUDH, I have honed my skills at communicating my ideas coherently and effectively.
What’s your favorite memory from CSUDH?
Getting a chance to play the $100,000 Steinway Model B piano on campus!
Cherelle Tisby, Toro Guardian Scholars Program
(BA, Sociology)
Are you the first in your family to graduate from college, and what does that mean to you?”¯
Yes! It means that I am a super leader, and that I am strong enough to break the generational curse on my family, while starting a new standard for my children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
What have you valued most from your college education?”¯
I value the resources available to me while pursuing my higher education, as it sets a new standard within my immediate family. I have discovered my true learning ability, as well as opened my mind to diversity and unfamiliar things.
How has CSUDH changed you?
I don’t feel that CSUDH has changed me, but the university has definitely equipped me with the necessary tools to soar in this world. Dominguez Hills has prepared me and developed me for success.
What are your career or educational plans?
My career plans are to open a girls’ group home. My educational plan is to enter the Masters of Social Work program at CSUDH in the fall of 2023.
What drew you to your major?
I had changed my major several times, but when I watched the documentary The Trials of Gabriel Hernandez on Netflix, it had me so angry that I felt the need to do something. As a former foster youth myself, the program lit a fire in me. I felt that his story could have been mine, and I feel the need to help the unprotected by creating a safe haven for kids that are not being guided and loved.
What is your favorite memory of CSUDH?
Receiving my acceptance letter! It gave me hope, and filled me with excitement. I truly was capable of pursing my dreams! Being the first college graduate in my family has allowed me to set a new tone for my children. Reach for the stars and go as far as your capacity will allow!
