As graduation approaches, California State University, Northridge graduate student Vanesa Morales is preparing to hit another milestone in her young career.
Morales will be able to boast two CSUN degrees. In spring of 2013 she received her bachelor's degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing and a minor in Spanish. This semester, she will receive her master's degree in educational leadership and policy studies with an emphasis in education.
During her academic years, Morales has received a great deal of help and support from faculty and staff members, who helped guide her throughout her academic journey. She received aid through the Educational Opportunity Programs (EOP), which inspired her to give back and volunteer with their student outreach and recruitment program as an undergraduate.
"I would go to high schools and go through the EOP process, and help [high school seniors] see what documents they needed to submit and encourage them to attend college," Morales said. "I felt like I needed to give back to my community, and do that work that we need so much of."