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Patrick Beck

Patrick Beck

Patrick Beck comes from an all-CSUN family-his dad and uncle are alums, his older brother Jason got his B.S. here and is staying to pursue a master's degree, and a second brother Chris graduated in 2006, worked on his master's in journalism, and is now off to law school. Patrick exemplifies the all-around accomplished Cal State Northridge student-earning academic success, holding leadership positions and memberships in a wide range of campus organizations, and working part-time arranging campus tours. Despite his busy schedule, which keeps him on campus 40 to 60 hours per week, Patrick takes it all in stride-and is even managing to graduate one year early!

High school:
Quartz Hill High School, Palmdale

Area of study:
Kinesiology (B.S.)

Career goal:
To pursue a Ph.D. degree in Gerontology and then to work in developing public policy affecting the elderly and help effect change.

1. Why did you choose Cal State Northridge?
I knew quite a lot about Cal State Northridge from my father, how beautiful it was and how great the facilities were. Also, from the alumni association information my father receives, I knew how prestigious the Kinesiology program is.

2. What types of things are you involved with outside of class?
I'm the treasurer of my fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon-their first treasurer who isn't a business major! I'm the Vice President of University Ambassadors [a group of student leaders who volunteer their time to facilitate campus tours, host special events, and represent the university]. I belong to the Kinesiology Majors Club, and I'm a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and the Gamma Sigma Alpha honorary Greek society. I also work 20 hours per week at the Student Outreach and Recruitment office arranging campus tours.

3. Have you earned any awards or have any special achievements?
I received the Gold President's Volunteer Service Award from President Bush for my volunteer work with the University Ambassadors, an award for being the best tour guide for fall 2007 for the University Ambassadors, and was named Ambassador of the month for February 2008. I've also made the Dean's List every semester I have been at Cal State Northridge.

4. What do you like to do in your free time-on and off campus?
In my free time I'm usually working with one of the clubs or organizations I'm involved with. I like to take bike rides through campus and also like to hang out at the Ambassador Lounge-it's great there!

5. What's the best thing about being a student at Cal State Northridge?
Everyone at Cal State Northridge is here to help you-students, faculty, staff. The teachers are outstanding, and more than 90% are Ph.D.'s. I have had such great teachers who really love their work.

6. Do you have a favorite professor?
Dr. Shane Frehlich in Kinesiology. He was one of the first professors I had and what he taught grounded you in the theory of kinesiology-how kinesiology is not just physical therapy, but about what happens any time someone moves, and how movement and communication are the two essentials for life. The way he took us through that was fascinating. I wasn't completely sure I wanted to go for a kinesiology degree but his class confirmed it for me.

7. What's the most valuable thing you've learned so far?
To be sure to take a little time for myself. Sometimes when I'm on campus for 8 to 10 hours a day, just taking a half hour for myself helps make the day better.

8. What do you look forward to most upon graduation? What will you miss?
I'm looking forward to graduate school in gerontology-it's a field that's interesting and exciting and where there's a lot to learn. But I'm going to miss undergraduate life and the security that goes along with it.

9. What advice would you give to incoming students?
Get involved as soon as you can-there's so much more to learn outside of class!