Beach Peeps

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Z’nya Spears, a molecular cell biology and physiology major who has found numerous ways to stay involved on campus.

Z’nya shares how her passion for science prepares her for a future as a physician assistant. As Co-founder and President of the Black Health Professions Organization, she helps build a supportive community that strives to create a more representative healthcare field.

Outside the classroom, Z’nya expresses herself through dance as a member of the Long Beach Honeys. She also celebrates Black excellence through the Black Scholars newsletter, sharing student achievements to readers.

Through leadership, creativity, and the guidance of meaningful mentors, Z’nya has built a college experience centered on community and purpose.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BLACK SCHOLARS PROGRAM:
https://www.csulb.edu/student-affairs/black-scholars

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Sebastian Rosano Alvarado, a criminology major whose journey at The Beach is defined by resilience, advocacy, and a strong connection with his community.

After transferring from community college, Sebastian arrived at CSULB expecting to attend class and head home. In just one year, he's become a student assistant at the Latine Resource Center, a Dream Success Center volunteer, an ASI Senator-at-Large, and President of the Latinx Student Union.

Sebastian also shares how losing his father inspired his passion for justice and his desire to provide answers to families who have been left without them.

Through mentorship, campus involvement, and resources such as the Dream Success Center and Student Health Services, Sebastian has found support, opportunity, and a true sense of belonging here at The Beach.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen speaks with Abigail Catalan, a Cinematic Arts major whose journey at The Beach comes with courage, utilizing resources, and embracing new opportunities.

Abigail shares how taking a chance led her to become a SOAR leader, where she has discovered valuable campus resources and helped new students begin their own journeys at CSULB. Although she has sometimes doubted whether she has enough experience, Abigail continues to overcome the uncertainty that comes with trying new things.

Outside of SOAR, Abigail channels her creativity through filmmaking, acting, singing, and dance. From singing with CSULB’s Bel Canto choir to creating short films, she is passionate about expressing her creativity for others to enjoy.

Abigail also discusses the importance of stepping beyond familiar experiences, using campus resources, and finding affordable ways while navigating an academic life. Her story is a reminder that feeling intimidated is natural, but the only way to discover where an opportunity might lead is to take a chance and believe in yourself.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Isabella, a social work major whose journey at The Beach is rooted in finding a sense of belonging.

Inspired by her supportive high school counselors, Isabella hopes to become a school social worker and pay it forward by providing that same guidance to future students. Now a peer navigator with CSULB’s Basic Needs program, she connects students with the essential resources needed for college.

Outside of school, Isabella enjoys discovering new coffee shops and finding places to study.

Isabella's story reminds students that it is okay not to have found their place yet and how taking one small step outside their comfort zone can help make The Beach feel like home.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen speaks with Samantha Valdez about sisterhood bonding, a passion for soccer, and ASI's Student Government.

Samantha shares how finding a sense of belonging on campus can lead to new opportunities. She reflects on the importance of perseverance and discovering new potential when being placed into a new community.

This episode also highlights the special bonding that comes with having siblings, where Samantha spends her free time sharing life's simple moments with her two sisters.

Through the challenges that a campus and its community can bring about, Samantha's story is a reminder that there are always ways to stay involved for those who are willing to look for it.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Rudy Hernandez, a social work student whose journey at The Beach is a powerful story of resilience, growth, and the importance of community.

Rudy shares what it was like arriving at CSULB at just 17, navigating college as a former foster youth without a strong support system, and facing early challenges that made the transition anything but easy. From struggling academically and personally in their first year to nearly losing momentum, Rudy reflects on what it means to fail and, more importantly, how to come back from it.

Drawing from earlier experiences with failure, Rudy developed the resilience needed to try again, adjust, and move forward with intention. Through connecting with the Guardian Scholars program and building a sense of community on campus, they found the support that made success possible.

Now thriving in the social work program and preparing for fieldwork, Rudy is focused on giving back, working toward a future supporting transitional-aged youth navigating systems similar to the ones they experienced.

Their message to students is simple but powerful: start with one question, find your people, and don’t try to do it alone.

Rudy’s story is a reminder that setbacks don’t define you; what you do next does.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Jada O’connor, a fourth-year accounting student whose journey at The Beach is defined by confidence, community, and purpose.

Jada shares how her role in outreach and school relations allows her to help prospective students see themselves at CSULB and successfully navigate the transition to college. Through her involvement on campus, including leadership in the Black Business Students Association and participation in mentorship programs, she has built a strong foundation rooted in connection and giving back.

The conversation also dives into Jada’s unexpected journey into pageantry, where she recently earned the title of Miss Southern California. What began as a spontaneous decision quickly became a transformative experience, allowing her to share her story, highlight her passions, and redefine what leadership and representation can look like.

Jada reflects on the importance of authenticity, reminding students that it’s okay to stumble, take risks, and try something new. Whether it’s pursuing opportunities, finding resources, or stepping outside your comfort zone, she emphasizes that students already have access to the tools they need to succeed.

Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about purpose, impact, and lifting others up along the way.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Fatima Rosas Huerta, a graduate student whose journey through higher education is grounded in purpose, advocacy, and resilience.

Originally from Puebla, Mexico, and raised in El Monte, Fatima shares her experience as a first-generation college student navigating higher education without a clear roadmap. From choosing UC Santa Cruz based on what felt most accessible, to discovering her passion for supporting undocumented and underrepresented students, her path has been shaped by both determination and community.

Now pursuing a master’s degree in Student Development in Higher Education at CSULB, Fatima reflects on why continuing her education was a meaningful and intentional choice, both to expand her career opportunities and to create lasting impact. Through her work at the Dream Success Center, she supports students by building community, connecting them to resources, and creating space for important conversations during uncertain times.

Fatima’s story highlights the importance of representation, mentorship, and access, and reminds students that while the path may not always be clear, it is always possible.

Her journey shows that education is something no one can take away, and that investing in yourself can open doors for both you and your community.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Leo Lopez, a kinesiology major whose journey at The Beach is all about growth, connection, and embracing every part of who you are.

Leo shares how he came to CSULB unsure of his path, initially studying economics before discovering his passion for kinesiology and a future in physical therapy. Alongside his academic journey, he’s built a strong sense of community on campus through SOAR, multiple student organizations, and is now serving as a teaching assistant in anatomy labs.

Outside the classroom, Leo brings a completely different creative energy; he’s an artist with a deep passion for drawing, especially his long-time love of Godzilla. What started as an interest at a young age has grown into a meaningful creative outlet that continues to shape how he sees storytelling, design, and even emotion.

Leo also reflects on pushing himself out of his comfort zone, going from being more introverted to actively seeking out leadership roles, friendships, and opportunities to help other students. Through orientation, clubs, and mentorship, he’s built connections across campus and found a true sense of belonging.

His story is a reminder that growth happens when you take that first step and that sometimes, the things you love are part of what makes your journey unique.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Ana Carpio Monterroso, a first-generation student whose journey to The Beach is rooted in resilience, discovery, and purpose.

Originally from Guatemala, Ana shares how she came to the United States and didn’t initially believe that a four-year university, or even a career in education, was within reach. After starting at community college, a pivotal moment helped her realize that her dream of becoming a teacher was possible. That realization led her to CSULB, her dream school, where she is now completing her degree and teaching credential.

Ana reflects on her early experience at The Beach, where she struggled with loneliness and imposter syndrome, unsure if she truly belonged. But everything changed when she began showing up to events, resource centers, and student organizations. Through that step, she built community, gained confidence, and became deeply involved across campus, serving in multiple leadership roles and supporting other students along the way.

Now preparing for graduation, Ana is not only stepping into her future as an educator but also paving the way for her family and community. From guiding her younger sister toward college to planning for graduate school, Ana’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you take that first step.

Her journey shows that growth begins the moment you decide to show up.