Fall 2017

Jonathan Aldana is majoring in kinesiology and would like to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist. He was born in Inglewood, Los Angeles but was raised in Canoga Park. As a member of B2F, he hopes to motivate others students that have a learning disability to show them that they can accomplish anything even with a learning disability. He wants to meet new people and make new friends while he attends CSUN. In his spare time, he really loves helping people and spending time with his family.

Lilia Alvarado is majoring in criminology. She was born in Mexico but she came to the United States when she was 14 years old. When she came to this country, she didn’t understand the language but nothing stopped her from accomplishing her dreams and from making her family proud. As a B2F Scholar, she is looking forward to improving her education, graduating and getting her dream job with the FBI. In her spare time, she enjoys watching action movies and spending time with her sister.

Jose Anguiano is majoring in civil engineering. He grew up in the San Fernando Valley in Canoga Park. He is deeply interested as well as honored to be a part of Bridge to the Future, especially considering he will be part of the first generation of B2F students. He hopes and strongly believes they will prosper to become very successful and positively effect the community. He likes to boxing, work out, write poetry, and group activities.

Isis, known as Izzy to most of her peers, is a first-generation college student. At almost six years old, Izzy, along with her mother and sister, migrated to the US from El Salvador. Still new to the country, she began attending school and slowly got accustomed to the new educational setting. It didn’t take long for people to realize that Izzy was keen on learning and loved to solve problems in the classroom. This quickly blossomed into a love for subjects such as math and science. Today, she is a senior civil engineering student, and a proud Bridge to the Future Scholar. Izzy hopes to become and well-rounded individual at CSUN, to make meaningful and lasting connections, and to achieve a feeling of satisfaction in all her achievements. As a B2F Scholar, she feels she is under great mentorship and is confident she will reach her goals, no matter what obstacles get in the way. Izzy’s dedication is very important to her, but motivating others academically is just as crucial. One of her hopes as a Scholar under this program is to inspire students to pursue higher education and advocate for the expansion of a college-going generation.

Verae Bonam is a pre-finance major. She was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley but lived in Michigan and Acton as well.  At CSUN she is looking forward to meeting new people, joining clubs, volunteering for programs to help other students, and taking advantage of all the benefits that CSUN has to offer. She is proud to be a first generation student and a Bridge to the Future scholar. She feels like it is a great opportunity to give back to the Canoga Park community, as well as ease the transition from high school to college. In her free time she enjoys binge watching Netflix, swimming with her dog, and spending time with friends and family.

Aaron Carrera is currently an exploratory major. While he is unsure of his future career, he can see practicing law or becoming a politician as possible fields. He feels being a part of Bridge to the Future is a wonderfully unique opportunity that will be extremely beneficial to himself and his community. He hopes to see that both he and his peers achieve their goals along with future scholars. He looks forward to exploring the many clubs and extracurricular activities offered on campus with old and new friends. In his spare time he enjoys watching anime, reading, and spending time with his dog.

Mariah Antonette Caseres is majoring in art with an emphasis in animation. Mariah was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States at the age of 8. She has been living here for almost 10 years. Mariah has been drawing since she could remember. She is a self-taught artist and is excited about her art classes at CSUN. Aside from drawing, Mariah enjoys being curled up in her bed reading a book, with coffee and a tissue box ready at an arm’s reach. She also likes to binge watch Asian dramas and Anime.

Melissa Duran is a first-generation college student majoring in child and adolescent development.  She aims to use this major to help children. She feels extremely grateful and happy to be part of Bridge to the Future’s first cohort. They have provided so much support like letting her vent about classes to advising on changing her current major. One of the ways she’s involved on campus is at the Oasis Wellness Center, where she works. Some of her hobbies include reading and watching TV shows and movies.

Eric Espinoza is majoring in business management and hopes to one day own his own business.

Olga Franco is majoring in child and adolescent development. She was born in Mexico but raised in the community of Canoga Park. Being part of Bridge to the Future has been an honor for her. She feels grateful for having the opportunity to become part of this program since she knows it will be helping her throughout all her college years. In the future, she would like to inspire freshman students to overcome any anxieties as the enter college. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, social media, and spending time with her friends and family.

Monserrat Galicia is currently an exploratory major planning to pursue music industry studies and a minor in art. She grew up in Canoga Park and is glad she got a Bridge to the Future scholar because she can have mentors helping her throughout the four years of her college education. She feels that mentoring will help her stay on top of her academics. She is looking forward to the new adventures and opportunities that CSUN has to offer. Some of her hobbies include skateboarding, playing the guitar, drawing, and exploring new places she’s never been to before.

My name is Andres Garcia. I am a senior student attending CSUN with a major in Recreation and Tourism Management. My emphasis is on adventure and action sports and I intend on making my mark in the industry. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and would not be where I am if not for the helpful community that has allowed me to pursue my goals. Of course, it wouldn't be possible without Bridge to the Future and I'm always thankful for the opportunities they have given me.

Jacqueline Garcia is pursuing a major in kinesiology and hopes to ultimately becoming a physical therapist. She grew up in the San Fernando Valley and has lived there all her life. While studying at CSUN she looks forward to meeting new people with the same interests as her and being able to be a part of the various clubs and organization offered on campus. As a B2F scholar she is eager to be able to give back to her community and the fact that she will return to Canoga Park High School as a mentor for current students.

Diana Gonzalez has declared a major in public health, however, she is unsure what specific career she wants to pursue. She was born in Northridge but has lived in Canoga Park her whole life. As a B2F Scholar, Diana feels she will receive support from various mentors throughout her four years at CSUN. She believes that this opportunity to be involved in a learning community will be truly beneficial as it will aid her toward her goals. In addition, she looks forward to participating in organizations at CSUN. In Diana's spare time, she enjoys volunteering at the hospital, watching countless shows on Netflix, and spending time with her friends and family.

Alan Hernandez is currently an exploratory major but is planning to pursue a degree in computer science at California State University Northridge. He was born and raised in the community of Canoga Park. While at Canoga High, he has been involved in Green Earth Club, Key Club, MESA, volleyball and participated in events held by the Neighborhood Council of Canoga Park. Alan is really proud that he got accepted into CSUN's Bridge to the Future program and is excited to bring his skills and give back to the university as well as his community. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his loved ones, binging on movies, and playing and listening to music.

Miguel Hernandez is majoring in electrical engineering. He looks forward to learning more about hardware and software-based engineering at CSUN. Before CSUN, Miguel joined the High School Involvement Partnership (HIP) program, a scholarship program created by the engineering corporation Northrup Grumman, which he continues to intern for. Miguel feels passionate to be a Bridge to the Future scholar and work alongside with his fellow scholars in getting involved and helping in their communities. He is also fond of sketching, watching Netflix and Japanese anime, and learning programming languages.

Ferra Kochanek is pursuing a major in animation with a concentration in 3D Modeling. She has been involved in many programs including the FFA organization, BAIT/CAM, LA's BEST, and now B2F. Having been given the chance to participate in B2F has helped her take the first step to her dream and is excited to know where it will take her. Her long time goal is to work at Riot Games, the creator of the video game, League of Legends. In her free time she like to game, animate, read, and edit videos.

Melisa Morales is majoring in biology in order to pursue a future career in the medical field, and minoring in art, since she feels the classes help her express more of her creative side. Her first year at CSUN and being a part of the first B2F cohort has taught her to break comfort zones and socialize more with people who may have different interests than her. She looks forward to continue her involvement and volunteering with the Canoga Park community and getting to personally work with the new B2F students.

Jonathan Navarrete is a senior, who is currently attending California State University, Northridge (CSUN). He is pursuing a degree in Accountancy. He is also very interested in law enforcement. Jonathan was born in El Salvador, and he moved to the United States in 2014. While being a part of Bridge to the Future, Jonathan feels very excited and grateful because being accepted to the program was one of his biggest accomplishments. He hopes to learn new skills at CSUN that will help him build his career in the future. He plans to get involved in programs and clubs that provide resources to incoming freshmen and students who come from low-income families. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys going to the gym, fishing, and hiking.

Citlaly Padilla is currently an exploratory major with an interest in pursuing a career as a labor and delivery nurse. She was born in Mexico and moved to the United States when she was 3 years old. She loves to volunteer and be involved with the community. She has been involved in various community service organizations such as the Child Development Institution and Empower LA. As a B2F scholar, Citlaly is very excited to work with mentors and learn everything that's needed to know to be able to mentor other students. In her spare time, she likes to dance, watch YouTube channels, watch Netflix, and spend time with sisters/friends.

Vanessa Rosales is currently an exploratory major. She was born to a Mexican family and was raised in the city of Canoga Park. Vanessa knows that with all the help and expansive support from B2F she won't have to worry about ever dealing with any hardships that might come at her throughout college alone. She thrives on helping those around her. Vanessa likes to spend time with her dogs, watch movies with family and friends, and is physically active to stay committed towards a healthy lifestyle.

Raquel Tobon is majoring in public health with hopes of becoming a nurse. She was born and raised in Canoga Park. Raquel feels privileged bring part of the first cohort of B2F and will take advantage of all resources that they will provide. She also feels excited to soon become a mentor and help the next group of B2F students. Raquel is looking forward to join clubs at CSUN and interact with other students. In her spare time, she enjoys playing volleyball, spending time with friends and likes to go on adventures with her loved one.

Andrea Vaquerano is majoring in psychology. She was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. As an incoming student, she is very excited and passionate about being part of the Bridge to the Future program. Andrea is thrilled to continue helping others and her community through the Bridge to the Future program. Once at CSUN, she looks forward to pursing a degree of study that will eventually allow her to help adolescents in her community. She is also looking forward to meeting new friends at CSUN. Some of her interests include spending time with family and friends, listening to music, and playing with her chubby cat.

Eloisa Varela is first generation college student. She is currently an exploratory major but is planning to pursue a degree in public health. She was born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico but immigrated with her mother to the United States for a better life. Being part of Bridge to the Future has granted Eloisa an opportunity to give back to her community and help other students as they make the college transition. Eloisa is looking forward to extending her knowledge at CSUN and hopes that her younger siblings will follow her footsteps to continue their education. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family and running with her sister.

Jitzel Vasquez-Ruiz is majoring in public health with dreams to become a registered nurse. She was raised in the San Fernando Valley by hardworking mother who is the main reason she plans on furthering her education. As a Bridge to the Future Scholar she feels blessed to be able to continue to give back to the community of Canoga Park and be able to help those who believe it is not possible to further their education because of where they come from. In her spare time, Jitzel enjoys baking, hanging out with friends and spoiling her mother.

Evan Velarde is pursuing a degree in chemistry. Evan was born in Woodland Hills, California and raised in Canoga Park where he resides. The B2F program provides Evan with a profound sense of purpose and meaning. He hopes to immerse himself in the field of chemistry during his undergraduate career. Evan spends the remainder of his free-time watching movies and going outside for a run. While life is difficult to balance during these times, he continually seeks to provide the best for his friends and others, as he feels the support and love of others is one of the most instrumental factors in a happy life.