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Matador Mentors
Name: Bita Asghari
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Biology, B.A.
Hobbies: dancing, attending auto shows, eating, and Schooling people in Rock Band!
Career Aspiration: Optometrist
Hey! The name's Bita Asghari. I am a twin and was born in Iran. I moved to Canada at the age of 8, and eventually came to the U.S. at 13. I currently reside in West Hills, California. I am always friendly, a bit corny at times and will forever be a goof. I am a junior, biology major at CSUN, hoping to one day claim my spot in the field of Optometry. I live by one dominant philosophy, "Happiness is a habit- cultivate it." Choose your own path and with a positive mindset you can achieve more than you expected. College is another chapter in your life and can be overwhelming at times; however, break it down day by day and you will find it much easier to take on.
Name: Shereen Gawad
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
Hobbies: Texting, exercising, and having a good time with friends
Career Aspiration: Clinical Adolescent Researcher
My family came to America from Egypt. Since I was born, I have been pushed to be the best I can be, always strive for more, and never settle. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a psychologist and I am finally on the right path to getting there. Some advice that I would give to any incoming college student is to never give up and always be open-minded. Listen to other people's ideas, especially those older than you who have more experience. You don't always have to TAKE others advice, but don't be completely opposed to new ideas. Also, have fun. If you spend all your time studying you will burn yourself out. Find a balance. It's all about time management! College isn't supposed to be super hard, so just relax, and do the best you can!
Name: Stephanie J. Haung
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Kinesiology
Career Aspiration: Physical Therapist or Nursing
Hobbies: snowboarding, dancing, photography and spending time with friends
I came into CSUN right out of high school with the wrong attitude, because it was not the university I wanted to attend. It was too close to home and I wanted to get the full college experience. When entering CSUN I decided to make the most of my college experience, so I decided to get involved. My freshman year I didn't get involved with any organization except the new student orientation program. I can honestly say that joining this program has not only changed my life, but made my college experience better. It gave me the confidence I needed to join other organizations. Later I joined the Greek life and joined a sorority. The NSO Program helped me make lots of friends and get to know CSUN staff and professors. Getting involved on campus made me step outside my comfort zone and changed my impression of CSUN and college. I have grown so much. I encourage all new and current students to get involved during college.
"Success is a journey, not a destination." Ben Sweetland
"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets.
So love the people who treat you right,
forget about the ones who don't and
believe that everything happens for a reason.
If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it.
Nobody said that it'd be easy, they just promised it would be worth it."
-Author Unknown
Name: Bernadette Hernandez
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Criminology
Career Aspirations: working with juveniles
Hobbies: watching and playing sports
Hello. My name is Bernadette Hernandez. I am 19 years old and am currently in my second year at CSUN. I grew up in a small town called Nipomo, CA. I love to spend time with my best friends and my family. I try to stay as involved on campus as possible. I am a member of a sorority here at CSUN. Being in a sorority has been so amazing and I have enjoyed every minute of it, I also work on campus, and play softball and tennis because I absolutely love sports. Dance has also been a huge part of my life. The best advice that I would give to any college student is to GET INVOLVED! It is the best way to meet many new friends and make your college experience much more enjoyable. CSUN is filled with opportunities, take advantage of them, and you will not regret it.
Name: Cecilia Hernandez
Class Standing: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
Career Aspirations: Child Clinical Psychologist
Hobbies: photography, reading, visiting interesting places, being with friends and family, soccer, small venue concerts
After awhile being at CSUN you'll be hearing the same story, "I was planning to go to another school, but at the last minute something happened and I decided to come here instead." This is something I'm quite familiar with. Having grown up in Granada Hills, Cal State Northridge was right in my backyard. I told myself this school would not even be a choice; I wanted to go far far away. Instead, for personal reasons, I accepted CSUN's admission and remained living at home. I did have a tough first semester, but I couldn't have made a better decision. Second semester, I decided to patch up those rough times and shift my attitude to a positive one. Instead of complaining, I got involved, made new friends, kept busy with playing soccer, and most importantly concentrated on having an amazing semester academically. Most people will tell you to get involved, which is important, but my personal advice to make the most of this new college experience is to adjust your attitude. If you're sour about something everything will turn out negatively. Likewise, if you tell yourself everything will be okay, there will be a positive outcome. Whether sometimes you're going to be lying to yourself that this is amazing, remember to change that perspective and things will turn out okay. Get involved. Talk to someone. Do what you love. Have fun. And be good to yourself. With all these "components," your time at California State University, Northridge will be a memorable and life-learning experience.
Name: Jackie Holmes
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Journalism
Career Aspiration: Magazine Editor
Hobbies: volunteer work, being with friends and family, and reading magazines
CSUN wasn't my first choice in schools but I couldn't imagine myself going anywhere else. It was at my freshman orientation when I knew this school was for me and I have made the most of it ever since. Getting involved made me feel even more connected to the school and I really enjoy meeting new people. My advice to incoming freshman is to leave the drama of high school behind and really enjoy college because it goes by really fast.
Name: Kathy Hwang
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Criminology
Career Aspirations: I would like to be a Teacher
Hobbies: Running, playing basketball, photography, listening to music, guitar, cooking (at least try to), random adventures, shopping, long boarding, going to the beach, trying new things and meeting new and interesting people.
Hi guys and gals! My name is Kathy and I'm from the OC. It is my third year at CSUN and I never thought I'd love college as much as I do now. I'm involved in several clubs and organizations on campus, I'm the Secretary of an honor's club, and I'm in a sorority. I currently work at a yogurt shop and love it! As incoming Freshmen, I know it's extremely difficult to adjust and embrace change but one piece of advice I can offer is to get involved on campus. CSUN offers a variety of clubs and organizations that will meet your interests. Trust me, you'll meet so many people by getting involved and your time in college will be all the more worthwhile. Be open-minded and have a great time!
Name: Larisa A. Kletsel.a.k.a. Lari-Doti
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Business Administration/Management
Career Aspiration: To be the female version Donald Trump
Hobbies: Singing, Acting, Dancing, Actin' a fool, Traveling the world, Softball, Soccer, All sports, Long Boarding, Going to concerts, Guitar Hero, Snowboarding, Photography, Reality TV, and Just being me
Hey girl, Heeey! Whatsup guys! My name is Lari and it rhymes with Doti. Can you say it? I was born and raised in Cali, and wouldn't change it for the world -which explains a lot about me. I love the beach, the sun, meeting new people, and to entertain. I grew up in Hollywood and all around LA. I'm down to earth, and I love a challenge! CSUN was my number one choice and I am proud of it! Believe it or not, CSUN is one of the most diverse college campuses. What better way to interact and meet new people then to get involved? The New Student Orientation Program did exactly that for me. NSO not only inspired me, but also helped me grow into the young, confident lady I am today. It also introduced me to great, life long friends and got me involved with other clubs and organizations (for example, my sorority). My word of advice for new CSUN students is to get involved, accept every challenge, and enjoy all new experiences. It will change your life!
Name:Rebecca Rauschl
Class Standing: Junior
Major: Deaf Studies
Goal: Sign Language Interpreter
Hobbies: Signing , traveling to far off places, hanging out with friends, singing in the shower, watching movies, going to Disneyland, riding horses, youth group, talking on the phone, playing tennis, watching football (CSUN needs a football team!!)
I have lived in Southern California my whole life and love it. California is perfect. You can visit the snow and go back to your home at the beach all in the same day! When it came time to picking the right university for me, CSUN was my first choice. I came to CSUN straight out of high school, Arrowhead Christian Academy. This is my third year in the NSO program and my second year as a Matador Mentor. I continue coming back to this program because I love working with the FRESHMEN (that's you :-))!!! I am also involved with the deaf community on campus and I recently went to Jamaica on service project with my department. Just so you know, all you freshmen, college is only what you make it. Have fun and don't pass up any opportunity!!
Name: Jaclyn Rivas
Class Standing: Senior Graduating spring 2010
Major: Deaf Studies
Hobbies: I love going to the beach, listening to music and rocking out, hiking, being outdoors, skim boarding, and wakeboarding.
I am 21 years old Deaf studies major with an interpreting focus. I was born in Camarillo, CA; but grew up all over California. I recently moved from Paso Robles, CA and transferred to CSUN from Cuesta College. Before moving here to Northridge, I changed my major at least 5 times. It was a challenge for me to discover my passion. Once I found it, I've stuck with it and moved here. Being a new student in a new area is tough. Whether you are an international student, transfer student, or first time freshman so my advice to all new incoming students would be to get involved! This campus seems so big and I remember being scared because I didn't know anyone. Once I got involved, met new people, CSUN seemed so much smaller and more like home. I suggest that you get involved, meet new people, and broaden your horizons; put yourself out there and make the effort to join a club or organization because the benefits are never ending!
Name: Valerie Yu
Class Standing: Senior
Major: Family and Consumer Sciences with an option in Family Studies, Minor: Human Sexuality
Career Aspirations: Marriage and Family Therapist
Hobbies: Sleeping, Baking, Dancing
CSUN was my only choice for college but it was in no way where I wanted to be. It took time for me to open up to CSUN but once I accepted my surroundings, I realized CSUN was the perfect fit for me. I found the perfect major and the perfect student organizations. Once I realized where I went to college didn't define who I was but rather it helped to define me, I was able to see every opportunity CSUN had to offer. I joined the New Student Orientation program after being at CSUN for three years so I could let everyone know, that although CSUN may or may-not be your first choice for a university, it will be a perfect home if you let it.