Meet Your Peer Coaches

Mario Bedwell
CTVA-Film Production | Junior
Favorite places on campus: SRC, Manzanita 100, Campus Store Complex
Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, movies, photography
A favorite memory at CSUN: Cinematheque at Manzanita, where you get to watch
wonderful films on the big screen for free!
One important piece of advice: Enjoy. You are in college to learn about something you like, so enjoy it with all your being. Meet people like you, people not like you, live this experience to the fullest.

Amaru Cifuentes
Art - Animation Major | Sophomore
Favorite places on campus: ASLN Lounge, Library, USU Pride Center
Hobbies/Interests: Cooking, small walks, drawing in my sketchbook, and sticker collecting
A favorite memory at CSUN: Attending the Pride Center’s Trans Coffee Nights
One important piece of advice: Don’t compare yourself to others, everyone learns and grows at their own pace in different ways!
 

Adriana Field 
Communication Studies Major | Sociology Minor | Senior
Favorite places on campus: Aronstam Library, to relax and study, and Maple Hall.
Hobbies/Interests:  Trying new food, cooking, baking, going to the beach, and traveling
A favorite memory at CSUN:  The New Student Convocation was amazing. As a new transfer student, it made me feel so welcome and was an official way to start my CSUN journey. I also appreciate that the Communication Studies department provides free snacks during finals season, which helps keep us motivated.
One important piece of advice: Take advantage of your time here at CSUN! There are so many resources and so many people, your professors and classmates, who want to see you succeed and do well. Also, make sure to always make time for self-care.

Carmen Lopez 
Music Education | Senior
Favorite places on campus: Orange Grove, The Soraya, and the University Library's third floor
Hobbies/Interests: SFX and glam makeup, reading, acting, and swimming
A favorite memory at CSUN: Crafts, music, Legos
One important piece of advice:  My first time performing in a chamber group and getting a good crowd reaction at the end of the performance.
One Piece of Advice: Don’t be afraid to email your teachers or ask other classmates. It is best to ask as many questions as you can so you can succeed in the class.

Sage Marshall
Media/Commercial Writing - Music Composition | Sophomore
Favorite places on campus: Cypress Hall, Maple Hall, and Circle of Trees
Hobbies/Interests: Skiing, water skiing, biking, content creation, and baking/cooking
A favorite memory at CSUN: For my second semester freshman year, I was one of the arrangers/conductors for my ensemble class, and being able to conduct my pieces live was an amazing feeling, and all the hard work and obstacles definitely paid off in the end.
One important piece of advice: It's normal to be shy, but there are so many different communities and various individuals on campus that are so welcoming, so even saying "hello!" on a random day can go such a long way for people.

Valerie Ramirez
Theatre | Senior
Favorite places on campus:  The picnic area behind Manzanita Hall, Sierra Center,
and the green room in Nordhoff Hall
Hobbies/Interests: SFX and glam makeup, reading, acting, and swimming
A favorite memory at CSUN: Working on a group scene and renting out a rehearsal space in The Soraya, or simply hanging out in the green room.
One important piece of advice: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Go explore and find people who share similar interests and goals with you, and keep them close to you. They can help you stay on track on your journey to success.

Isabella Resendiz (Isa)
CTVA-Film Production | Sociology Minor | Senior
Favorite Places on Campus: Sierra Center, The Armer Theater, and the Orange Grove
Hobbies/Interests: Watching TV shows, crocheting, editing videos
A favorite memory at CSUN: Taking pictures all around campus while getting to know
some people from my film photography class.
One Piece of Advice: Don’t be too shy to speak up, especially if you are a freshman! Get to know your classmates sitting beside you. Raise your hand or approach your professors if you have a question/concern. Join a club or participate in a CSUN event. Oftentimes, we create barriers for ourselves in new settings because of nerves or doubt, but harnessing a bit of courage from the start can help you build better connections with peers and faculty that will ultimately provide you with a support system throughout your academic and personal journey at CSUN.

Daniel Tran (Danny)
CTVA-Entertainment Media Management | Business Law Minor | Junior
Favorite Places on Campus: Tuesday Farmers Market, Oasis Wellness Center, and turtle pond
Hobbies/Interests: Rock climbing, video games, hiking
A favorite memory at CSUN: Walking back to the campus dorms during sunset after Wednesday movie screenings in the Armer Theater!
One Piece of Advice: Don't be afraid of new experiences. Especially during the first couple of weeks of school, people are getting used to the routine and trying to meet new people. It's the perfect time to join activities that you may not have ever seen yourself doing or have always wanted to get into, but never had the chance to. Consciously pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is a great way to find your community and people!

Xander Velasco
Art - Animation Major | Senior
Favorite Places on Campus: Botanical Garden, the USU, and the SRC
Hobbies/Interests: Animating, 3D Modeling, Rock Climbing, Video games, and movies
Favorite Memory at CSUN: Being able to dorm on campus with my cousin
One Piece of Advice: Get connected with as many colleagues as possible, whether it's students or faculty. When it comes time for you to leave CSUN, your connections are the gateway into your preferred industry.