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Who are they?
Name: Darren Arrieta
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Civil Engineering
Hobbies: Video Games and Playing Sports
I am a Civil Engineering major who wants to get a B.S. Degree here at CSUN then get my Master's in Structural Engineering. I am in a fraternity here on campus and have held the position of Risk Manager for the past two years. I did four years of wrestling, track for three years, and football for two years at Thousand Oaks High School. My advise to all entering Freshmen Students is to get highly invested in your University - You can do this by getting involved, understanding what the University has to offer you, and taking advantage of those resources and involvement opportunities.
Name: Maria Mariana Baltazar
Class Standing: Senior
Major: Psychology
Career Aspiration: Work with Autistic children and create better treatment for them. To be the PR person for the LAPD or LAFD
Hobbies: Singing and dancing
I am a 21-year-old graduating senior who wishes to change the world. I was taught that hard work and perseverance would get me to my dreams and that education is the key to success. I always try to do my best not only academically, but in everything else. These past four years at CSUN have made me grow and become a better person. I love sports and played soccer in high school. I believe that life should be fun, but there is a time and place for everything. Don't be afraid to ask questions and to be yourself. Believe in yourself because you are the only person that can stop yourself from doing what you really want to do.
Name: Jessica Densmore
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Political Science
Career Aspiration: International attorney and leadership analyst; and eventually politics
Hobbies: Reading, spending time with friends
I am a 20 year old political science major who enjoys reading and spending time with my friends among many other things. I hope to one day join the peace corps before continuing on into my career. It is important to approach college with an open mind and welcome contradictions to your past beliefs as a way of broadening your character. It is also important to set clear goals and not settle for anything less than those goals no matter what it takes to achieve them.
Name: Brandi Gregge
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Kinesiology - Exercise Science
Career Aspirations: Physical Therapist - specialty in Neurology
Hobbies: Listening to music
I came straight to CSUN right after graduating from high school and had the wrong attitude because it was not my first choice. I was not very happy with my declared major and I did not know anyone. So in my first year here I decided to get involved. Now I could not imagine going to another university or changing my major. Now I know that when you feel good about where you are for school, you do a lot better academically and socially. One more piece of advice I would give is try to decide early if you are going to further your education, because as a junior you should already be getting those applications to Masters Programs and so forth.
Name: Sara Hanna
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Recreation and Tourism Management
Career Aspirations: Event Planner, Wedding Planner
Hobbies: Singing, dancing
My favorite color is hot pink, and my favorite food is anything Mexican. I love life and giving, so as long as I have music to listen to, a floor to dance on, and I am surrounded by those who love me, my life is complete. My family means the world to me. That is why the Orientation Program changed my life. It has truly become my second family and I am so thankful to be a Matador Mentor for NSO 2008! My advise to all Freshman is to get involved! I found that getting involved will lead you to a deeper appreciation of CSUN and those who you form relationships with; thus, creating a greater bond with your University.
Name: Stephanie Huang
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Kinesiology
Career Aspiration: Physical Therapist
Hobbies: Dancing, photography, and snowboarding
I joined the New Student Orientation Program my first year here and I can say that it has not only been an awesome experience, but I have also met so many great people. I found so much inspiration through this program that I decided to come back for my second year There are so many opportunities here at CSUN and if I can give a piece a of advise it would be never give up in any situation and push yourself to achieve your goal. Make the most of your college experience because it is only for a short time of your life, which is why I am making the most of my college experience. I can't wait to see what this year brings me.
Name: Jackie Kofman
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Business Management
Career Aspirations: To own a restaurant
Hobbies: I love my tivo
CSUN was my first and only choice for college, and I'm glad I came here. I thought it would be never ending homework with no free time. But I was able to do well in my classes without having to sit home during the weekend. One day in my University 100 class, my teacher passed out applications for Orientation leaders and talked about how great it was and how many friends I'd make. Before I knew it, I was a part of the program and it was the best two weeks of my summer. I am also in a sorority. It helps me feel a part of something important, and it makes college so much better when you feel like you belong somewhere on your campus.
Name: Therese Angela G. Marcelo
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Criminology
Career Aspiration: Successful Criminal Litigator
Hobbies: reading, watching reality shows (my guilty pleasure), eating, and MORE eating!
When I am not taking six to seven classes per semester, or working, I like to busy myself with extracurricular activities such as holding a position in FASA or being an orientation leader. Being part of the NSO program is very fulfilling and beneficial to me. If I can give any advice to any incoming freshman, I would say: "enjoy college to the fullest." Remember to have fun but also remember that you are in school for a reason. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Things will get tough and difficult in college but what can't kill you will only make you stronger.
Name: Montana Pham
Class Standing: Senior
Major: Information Systems
Career Aspiration: Information Security/Technology/Systems Technician
Hobbies: Volunteer Work, Community Computer Technician, Gaming
I believe our greatest gift is choice. I chose CSUN over other colleges because it best benefited my situation. Everyone has their own reasons for going to a certain college; however, keep in mind that the school does not define who you are, how you will be, and what you will become. The school you go to is only as good as your willingness to succeed. If you want to be successful, study more, use every resource, and go beyond the classroom and community. My success came from the knowledge of my family, friends and faculty. So it is my most prized advice I give you: "Empower yourself with knowledge, because information is key to success."
Name: Elonna Ratman
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Child and Adolescent Development
Career Aspirations: To work with special needs children
Hobbies: The Wii - Wario!
For me, the transition from high school to college was the biggest learning experience I have ever faced. I am a very social person yet it was very hard for me to make friends and feel at home here. Later, I got involved with Greek Life and joined a Sorority. It gave me the confidence I needed to join other organizations like the NSO Program. That led me to making lots of friends, getting to know CSUN staff, professors and utilizing my resources on Campus. Getting involved changed my impression of CSUN and college. I have grown so much and I encourage all students to get involved as much as they can during college.
Name: Rebecca C. Rauschl
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Deaf Studies
Career Aspirations: Sign Language Interpreter and/or Audiologist
Hobbies: Traveling, reading, riding my horse, spending time with my friends
I joined the NSO program to branch out of my comfort zone and to get more involved on campus. I have been able to have a lot of fun, make new friends and great memories! My advice to freshmen is to take time for yourself. Don't get too wrapped up in school and extracurricular activities that you forget to take a breath.
Name: Lizabeth Schultz
Class Standing: Junior
Major: History
Career Aspirations: College Professor
Hobbies: Food - making it and eating it
I play cello in the University Symphony Orchestra and am involved in a sorority. Before joining the Orientation Program I had trouble making friends in the classroom, and decided to get involved. I joined the orientation program in 2007 and it has changed my life. I instantly felt like part of a family. I love life and I want to travel the world. My advice to any incoming student is never to settle. Set high goals and work towards them, because greatness is never awarded, it is achieved.
Name: David Zusman
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Accounting and Finance
Career Aspiration: Work for a Brokerage Firm
Hobbies: Scuba diving, working out, partying, and napping
I am a 20 year old double major in Accounting and Finance. I love to play sports, work out, and of course like any college student I enjoy a great party. If I could give an incoming freshman any advice it would be to get involved and be open minded. Meet new people and embrace diversity. CSUN is not only a great institution but a great environment for meeting new people.