Bridge to the Future

  • current-scholars-2021

Fall 2021

Ronaldo Alvarez

CSUN Major: Mechanical engineering
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Mechanical Engineering
Personal Background: I like to play soccer. I'm a hard worker.  Also, I love animals.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? One of my hobbies is playing soccer. I like reading adventure books. Also, I like to exercise.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Funny, interesting, intelligent, kind, and bold.
What difference do you hope to make in the world?
I try to take the responsibility to care about others, for example, using a mask during this pandemic. 

John Bote

CSUN Major: Computer Engineering
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Computer Engineer, Computer Software, Aerospace engineering, IT development
Personal Background: Filipino American, have a younger sister and oldest of 2 siblings
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? I like to help people out such as community service, playing video games, working out, and hanging with family and friends.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Ambitious, outgoing, observant, timid, spontaneous.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I hope to develop and create new hardware to help revolutionize IT software and make small changes in the lives of others, especially my family. Small changes can turn into big ones in the future and they start at home.

Rey Breceda

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Leslie Castaneda

CSUN Major: Marketing
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Digital Marketing or Marketing Management
Personal Background: I was born in Van Nuys and grew up in Canoga Park. I am a first-generation college student and I am the youngest in my family. I am Mexican American as my dad was born in El Paso, Texas and my mom was born in Zacatecas, Mexico. My parents' hard work is my biggest inspiration to continue studying in college.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? I like to read books based on real events or listen to podcasts. I am interested in vintage clothing and fashion. In my free time, I like to watch old fashion shows from brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Caring, ambitious, optimistic, loving, and adventurous.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I hope I can make a difference in the world by spreading joy to kids who are suffering from mental illnesses or chronic diseases. There are kids who need happiness in their lives, and I want to be someone who they can rely on to be happy. With the difficult situations that they go through, I do not want them to feel as if they were stuck in a dark hole, I want to bring light into their lives.

Mitzy Rodriguez Chavez

CSUN Major: Radiologic Sciences
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Radiologist/Ultrasound Technician
Personal Background: I am a first-generation college student. I was born here but my parents are from Mexico. My parents came to the US when my mom was pregnant with me and have lived here since then. I have 3 brothers and a dog. My family is my biggest support system among others. I have worked hard to get to where I am today, and I will continue to work as hard.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? My hobbies are teaching/coaching soccer and listening to music. I also love being with my dog.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Hardworking, fun, responsible, caring, and family-oriented.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I want to show my siblings and anyone else that everything is possible once you put your mind and effort into it. There are bumpy roads along the way but if you desire it, then go for it, in the end, it will be worth it. 

David Contreras

CSUN Major: Marine Biology
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing. Marine Veterinarian
Personal Background:  My name is David Contreras and I am a Hispanic who descends from Mexico. I am very connected to my culture and love learning new things about it. I have one sibling named Vanessa, who is the best sister that you can ask for. I also live with my mom and dad who I love very much.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? I would describe myself as an active person. I love hanging out with friends every chance I get so that we can try new things or do the things we love to do. I love being active like cycling, hiking, and playing basketball, which are all things that are near and dear to my heart.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Awesome, chill, creative, honest, and outgoing
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I hope that everyone can start to appreciate nature and its beauty. Animals and plants are all living organisms that should be respected and protected at all costs. We should realize that by protecting what's important to us we can prosper together.

Natali Diaz

CSUN Major: Biology

Lupita Diaz

CSUN Major: Kinesiology Exercise Science
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Physical Therapist
Personal Background: I am the first generation in my family to go to college along with my twin sister. I have 4 sibling which makes us 5 children in total.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? One of my hobbies is reading books, mostly teen romance novel because I find them fun and interesting to read. Another hobby I have is playing with my dogs when I have nothing to do.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Respectful, kind, caring, hardworking, and understandable.
What difference do you hope to make in the world?
I hope to help people regain physical strength by helping them regain feeling or keep their body in shape after an incident. My goal is to help my future patients reach their goals so they can make a difference in their own way as well. 

Caroline Garcia

CSUN Major: Biology

Marvin Garcia

CSUN Major: Business Administration-Management
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Financial management
Personal Background: I was born in Northridge to very hardworking parents. My parents are from Acapulco, Guerrero. I am a first-generation college student and I am the youngest of three.

What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? Outside of school, I like to watch and play soccer. I also like thrifting and finding the backstory on why that item was produced.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Creative, determined, humble, passionate, humorous.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? There are many ways to make a difference in the world, but I want to start in my community first. I want to make sure everyone has the same opportunity and resources I did. I want to make sure they have an education, food, and clothes.

Ashley Faithe Gonzalez

CSUN Major: Accounting
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Accountant, Financial Manager, Financial Analyst, or Financial Examiner
Personal Background: I was born and raised in California, although my mom immigrated from El Salvador and my dad from Guatemala. I am a middle child, with an older sister and a younger sister who are very close to me, and many pets that fill up our house. My parents arrived here very young which caused me to not experience or get taught cultures and traditions from these countries, but hopefully soon I will get to visit these two countries and experience where my family comes from.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school?
I enjoy going to the beach, taking peaceful drives, and spending time with friends and family. I also enjoy trying new things whether it be food, places to see, or activities to do.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Determined, strong, caring, helpful, and shy.
What difference do you hope to make in the world?
I hope to help those who are struggling with financial stability by teaching and guiding them in the right direction. I also hope to inform those who are not experienced with handling and saving money.

Stephani Gutierrez

CSUN Major: Biology
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Doctor nurse pediatrician
Personal Background: I have two older brothers. My parents are from Jalisco, Mexico. I have a big loving family.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? I enjoy spending time with friends and family. I enjoy long drives with pretty views. I adore listening to music.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? The 5 words I would choose to describe me would be smart, funny, caring, optimistic, and hard-working.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I would like to create a kinder world. One where everyone accepts each other with respect and love.

 

Sam Knowles

CSUN Major: CTVA Film Production
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Film producer/audio editor for horror movies
Personal Background: I come from a middle-class home and grew up in Canoga Park.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? I’m really into wrestling, jiu Jitsu, painting, reading, photography, swimming, and playing video games.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Strong, caring, protective, funny, smart.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I really want to help the environment as well as give a good home to kids that don't have one.

Nyle Jerico Luza

CSUN Major: Computer Science
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Software Engineer, Game Developer
Personal Background: I was born and raised in Los Angeles, but feel as if I belong more in the Valley. My family migrated to the U.S before I was born and they're my main motivations in reaching my goals.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? I enjoy building computers, playing video games and working out. I also have started looking deeper into cryptocurrency and began learning more about DeFi.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Determined, goal-oriented, passionate, ambitious, cheerful
What difference do you hope to make in the world? The difference I hope to make in the world is by introducing people into cryptocurrency. By giving people more awareness about it, it'll help them understand the many benefits of a decentralized world and its impact on developing countries. I see a future in crypto and DeFi and I want to inform others about the change that it can make in other peoples' lives.

Katherine Martinez

CSUN Major: Liberal Studies – ITEP
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Elementary School Teacher
Personal Background: I am a first-generation college student. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA but my family is from El Salvador. My family has always been my motivation to pursue a higher education and make their hard work and efforts all worth it.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school?  In my free time, I enjoy going on random adventures with friends or family. I also enjoy baking new recipes and watching Netflix.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Determined, supportive, understanding, caring, positive.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I hope to bring smiles and happiness to young children. I want children to feel welcomed and accepted in my future classroom and I want to inspire them to pursue and accomplish all their hopes and dream. 

Izabella Mendez

CSUN Major: Public Health
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Nursing, Ultrasound Technician, OBGYN, midwife.
Personal Background: I've grown up in the San Fernando Valley my whole life. My parents have always worked hard to give me a good life.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? Some hobbies I have out of school would be I like to read different kinds of books. I like to do makeup, Makeup is very soothing to me. I also to go hiking.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Funny, caring, bold, kind, and open-minded.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I hope to make the world a better place one step at a time.

Brianna Montes

CSUN Major: Exploratory. Interested in majoring in Business
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Interested in becoming an entrepreneur/ in business administration
Personal Background: I was born and raised in California and I am first-generation college student. I am family-oriented and proud of my Latin roots, I owe my parents my life for all they have given up for me to pursue an education and stable future.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school?
I love helping my community as I am an UrbanPromise Los Angeles street leader alumni.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be?
Passionate, persistent, humble, creative, determined.
What difference do you hope to make in the world?
I love helping people and giving back so I hope to inspire people one day in whatever passion/career I pursue in the future.

Armando J. Olvera

CSUN Major: Engineering Management Technology
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: I want to pursue an engineering career in the aerospace industry, as that is something I have always strived for since high school.
Personal Background: I was born in Pasadena, and both of my parents are immigrants from Mexico. I spent a lot of my life living in Winnetka, but I also spent a good portion of it at Canoga Park through high school. My family raised me with a lot of discipline and made sure to teach me to have good moral values in life, with a majority of them stemming from the teachings of Christ in the Bible.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? One of my big interests is aviation and studying different kinds of aircraft and spacecraft. I also enjoy stargazing, mountain biking, backpacking, and spending time with my family. My hobbies are collecting and assembling architecture lego sets, listening to music, and playing video games.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Adaptable, disciplined, understanding, respectful, and diligent
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I hope to make a difference in the world one step at a time; starting with my community, and then hopefully make a larger positive impact in the world through the projects I do as an engineer. I also want to be a foundation of support for others in need, and I want to help other younger individuals find direction and meaning in life by encouraging them.

Daniel Padron

CSUN Major: Exploratory, but some majors I am interested in are Computer Engineering and Marine Biology
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing. Marine Biologist, Architect, and Marketing
Personal Background: I am 18 years old. I am Hispanic and I work at Olive Garden.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? Some of my hobbies outside of school are going to the gym and riding my bike.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? introvert, respectful, adventurous, friendly, and hardworking
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I don't necessarily think a difference but I hope to try and give to the less fortunate while inspiring others to do the same.

Paola Perez

CSUN Major: CTVA: Film Production
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Film directing
Personal Background: I was born in July of 2003 and raised in Canoga Park. My family is from Mexico, and I have a younger sister. I'm a first-generation student and thanks to all the love and support I have received; I feel motivated to work hard and follow my dreams.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? I am someone who loves to appreciate and admire anything related to art, so my hobbies include listening to music, painting, reading, watching movies, and taking pictures. I'm a big fan of Harry Styles and I love to watch sunsets. I also like to spend time with friends and family.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Diligent, passionate, kind, clever, and artistic.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I hope to work on film projects that can inspire people to use their voices, spread kindness, and take action when things aren't right. I will do my best to give a helping hand to my community and make a positive impact on the lives of people I meet. 

Jeff Portillo

CSUN Major: Art
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: At the moment I'm interested in pursuing a career in graphic design.
Personal Background: I'm a first-generation college student and the son of Salvadoran immigrants. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and I very much consider the city my home.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? I enjoy watching Youtube videos and listening to music.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Shy, kind, introverted, accepting, and honest.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I don't know specifically, what kind of difference I hope to make in the world, but I do know that I'd want to do things that could benefit others and make people happy.

Heily Ramos

CSUN Major: Biology
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Neonatal surgeon or perioperative nurse
Personal Background: My family is from Honduras and I'm a first-generation college student. I have 3 sisters and a cat. I played high-school volleyball and my favorite color is green.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? I like to play volleyball, l which I consider myself to be pretty good at, and like to play tennis which I'm horrible at. I also like to paint cartoons and patterns for my friends. I also like to watch movies. One of my favorites is "baby driver" and "empire records"

Karla Vasquez

CSUN Major
Family Studies (FCS)

Career(s) that you're interested in pursuing
Non-Profit organizations, Family orientated facilities

Personal Background
I am the fourth and youngest sibling in my Latino family. I am also the first one in my family to enroll in a university. I hope to pave the way for the rest of my family that is still on their own journeys.

What are your interests/hobbies outside of school?
I love reading and collecting items from my favorite series. I enjoy watching donghuas and dramas in my spare time. Another hobby I have is drawing, I love to draw in different styles and mediums

What makes you unique?
I am compassionate and selfless person when it comes to the needs of others. I am also a flexible person who can adapt to different scenarios and persevere through difficult problems.

What difference do you hope to make in the world?
I hope to be a person who can help support and provide for people in need. I would love to become the adult my younger self needed and provide a sense of comfort and relief by helping out other children and their families. I hope to be in a position where I can provide relief to families going through difficult times.

Victoria Velasco

CSUN Major: Sociology
Please list career(s) that you're interested in pursuing: Social worker or a psychologist
Personal Background: I am a first-generation college student and a former foster youth. With the support from my family, friends, and community, I know that I will succeed in college as I strive for a higher level of education and make an impact in my future.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of school? My hobbies consist of volunteering within my community, binge-watching tv shows/movies, and spending time with my friends and family.
If you had to describe yourself in 5 words, what would they be? Resilient, optimistic, hopeful, confident, and resourceful.
What difference do you hope to make in the world? I believe that through my actions, big or small, I can bring smiles and awareness to the many issues within our world. With compassion and empathy, I plan on being a part of the greater good by continuing my community service and volunteerism not only in college but throughout my life.