I began my journey at CSM with the goal of obtaining an associate degree in administration of justice; I thought that a two-year degree would be all I would need to begin a career in law enforcement. As a first-generation college student, this experience was not only new but very scary for me. When I first enrolled, I worried that I wasn't capable of transferring to a four-year university. The EOPS program and Transfer Services helped me realize that not only was I meeting requirements for my associate degree, but I was satisfying the transfer requirements to attend a California State University campus as well.

Meeting with my EOPS counselor every semester and creating my Student Educational Plan helped me stay on track with my courses and encouraged me to move out of my comfort zone when it came to asking for help. Also, working as a student assistant in CSM’s Transfer Services and Assessment Office gave me a broader understanding of the counseling and transfer processes and introduced me to a great network of counselors, faculty and staff to learn from and gain support.  CSM really helps students to succeed.