Beach Peeps

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Ian Fernandez, a film major and the creative mind behind many of the Student Affairs Instagram reels.

Ian shares how his passion for storytelling started at a young age and evolved into creating engaging, funny, and sometimes chaotic social media content for campus. From scripting and filming to editing and collaborating with a team, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make content that actually stops the scroll.

The conversation also dives into Ian’s perspective on creativity in the age of AI. While many students are turning to AI tools, Ian intentionally avoids using them in his creative process, believing that real storytelling comes from human emotion, lived experience, and originality. For him, creativity isn’t something you outsource; it’s something you develop.

Ian also reflects on how getting involved on campus, through a student job and creative opportunities, has shaped his college experience and helped him find his path in film and content creation.

From social media to storytelling, Ian’s episode is all about staying authentic, taking creative risks, and building something that feels real.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with political science major Andre Achacon to talk about advocacy, public service, and taking intentional risks.

Andre shares how he jumped into Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) during his first year at The Beach and quickly found his passion for student advocacy. That passion led him to the prestigious Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program, where he spent a semester preparing at Cal State Monterey Bay before heading to Washington, D.C., to intern in Congress.

While in D.C., Andre worked directly in a congressional office, answering constituent calls, contributing to communications strategy, producing video content, and navigating the realities of a federal government shutdown. The experience, which he describes as the most transformative of his college career, helped him discover his interest in political and public communications.

Now serving as a communications intern for Congressman Robert Garcia, Andre reflects on how every risk he’s taken, from moving away from home to putting himself in uncomfortable environments, has shaped his path.

His advice for new students is simple but powerful: show up, take strategic risks, and reflect on what you learn along the way.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Monet Jenkins, a Business Marketing major whose journey to belonging at The Beach is filled with intention, resilience, and a whole lot of pink.

Monet opens up about originally wanting to attend an HBCU and arriving at CSULB unsure if she had made the right choice. After experiencing loneliness during her first weeks on campus, she made a powerful decision: if Long Beach wasn’t going to be her HBCU, she would create the experience she wanted for herself. From joining Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, to serving in the Black Student Union, working with the Black Scholars Program, and building meaningful mentorship connections across campus, Monet truly made The Beach her own.

She shares advice for new students navigating fear and uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and taking small steps, like simply sitting next to someone in class. Monet also reflects on the power of community, mentorship, and school pride (including her love for the Beach Shops bookstore).

Monet’s story is a reminder that belonging matters and home is something you build.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Mikey Sato, an international student from Tokyo, Japan, whose journey to The Beach is anything but ordinary.

Before arriving at CSULB as a Business Information Systems major, Mikey was a nationally ranked equestrian champion in Japan. He shares what it was like competing at the highest level, the discipline and partnership required in the sport, and the powerful lesson in humility he learned at just 17 years old. From caring for his retired horse to navigating the pressures of competition, Mikey reflects on how responsibility, resilience, and self-awareness shaped who he is today.

Mikey also opens up about coming to Long Beach to start fresh and why that blank slate helped him grow. He discusses landing a job with Bloomberg through a unique bilingual career forum and how CSULB’s Bloomberg Terminal program, supported by Beach Shops, helped prepare him for his future career.

From championships in Japan to building confidence at The Beach, Mikey’s story is about growth, humility, and embracing new beginnings.

In Episode 4 of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Jonathan Mukai for a conversation about focus, leadership, and helping students start strong at The Beach.

Jonathan shares how his involvement in archery has shaped his mindset, teaching him patience, discipline, and the importance of steady focus. He reflects on how the sport isn’t just about hitting a target, but about building confidence and staying grounded under pressure.

The episode also highlights Jonathan’s work with SOAR (Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration), where he plays a role in welcoming and guiding new students as they begin their CSULB journey. He discusses how SOAR creates a foundation of connection, preparation, and belonging, ensuring students don’t just arrive on campus but truly feel ready to thrive.

Through lessons from archery and his commitment to supporting new students, Jonathan’s story is a reminder that success often comes from focus, intention, and helping others find their aim.

In Episode 3 of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with ASI Student Government Vice President of Finance Kim Nguyen for an empowering conversation about leadership, confidence, and financial literacy.

Kim shares what it means to serve as VP of Finance, including how she helps students access grants and funding to support travel, research, and academic opportunities that expand their college experience. She reflects on how she first stepped into student leadership and how those early experiences shaped her confidence and passion for serving others.

The episode also dives into Kim’s commitment to helping students take control of their personal finances through events that connect them with experts and practical tools for long-term success. She opens up about moments of doubt in her Information Systems major, especially staring at a blank terminal screen, and how encouragement from a professor helped her push forward, ultimately finding joy and purpose in her field. From navigating unexpected challenges during a European vacation to growing through mentorship and support from ASI staff, Kim’s story is a powerful reminder that growth often begins just outside your comfort zone.

In Episode 2 of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with 2025/2026 ASI Student Body President Sonny Ciampa for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation about leadership, resilience, and community.

Sonny shares his journey growing up in Long Beach and navigating college as a student on the autism spectrum, opening up about the obstacles he’s overcome and the strength he’s found in believing in himself. He reflects on what student leadership truly means, not just holding a title, but showing up for others, advocating for student voices, and leading with authenticity and heart.

The conversation also highlights Sonny’s vision for building connections on campus, including the creation of Home at The Beach, a new event designed to foster belonging, especially during a time when the University Student Union is under construction. Through it all, Sonny’s positivity, determination, and commitment to students shine, making this episode a powerful reminder that leadership starts with self-belief and community care.

In the debut episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with student Tyler Brazile for a lively, heartfelt conversation that captures the true spirit of The Beach. Tyler shares his journey as a CSULB student and highlights the many resources that make campus feel like home, from Housing and Residential Life to the Men’s Success Initiative, clubs, and organizations that help students find community and purpose.

Bringing major campus-tour energy, Tyler describes the CSULB experience with the kind of magic you’d expect at your favorite Disney park, full of intention, warmth, and soul, especially for families and prospective students visiting campus for the first time. He also opens up about his passion for music, creativity, and connection, offering listeners a genuine look at student life beyond the classroom. This episode sets the tone for Beach Peeps: authentic conversations with the students who make CSULB special.