Ambassador Testimonials

"Walking into The Alliance office as a freshman, I wasn't sure what to expect or what would be expected of me. But after being with the Alliance for two years, I now know that it is a very supportive network that helps its members achieve educational success and acquire skills that will be useful in our future careers. I feel extremely grateful for the financial and academic aid they have given me and other Ambassadors."  

Jordan Wardle - History 
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 4
Expected Graduation: Spring 2022

“Joining the Alliance has been the best decision I've made since coming to college. The other members are welcoming, friendly, and there are many resources The Alliance offers to help us as students. I am excited to be a part of The Alliance and hope to build a stronger connection with other members.”  

Khaled Khalil - Computer Science 
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 4
CSUSM Graduate: Spring 2021

"Becoming an Alliance Ambassador has truly reshaped my expectations and goals while attending CSUSM. The program has given me a chance to engage with faculty, develop myself, and contribute back at a higher level of potential than I ever imagined possible within the university and beyond. Receiving scholarship funding to be a part of The Alliance allows me to dive into my studies and plan for the future with far less financial pressure."  

Matt Million - Global Business 
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 4
Expected Graduation: Spring 2022

"Growing up with a single mom and as a first generation student my mom always asked me to go and graduate from college so I can build myself a successful life. Being part of The Alliance has given me the opportunity to connect with staff members who can help guide me through these years and create new friendships that will last beyond our college years." 

Leslie Atristain - Child Development 
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 4
Expected Graduation: Spring 2022

"Being an Alliance Ambassador has shown me just how much CSUSM has to offer. They have helped me become more involved on campus which has made college a better experience for me than ever before." 

Koby Wood - Business Administration
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 4
Expected Graduation: Spring 2022

“When I joined the Alliance program, I was given an opportunity to improve myself not just as a student, but also my character as well. Becoming an ambassador not only allowed me to strengthen myself as an individual but being in the Alliance allowed me to create strong connections with others and create a career path that I believe is right for me”. 

Benjamin Garcia – Art, Media & Design
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 5
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

“As a first-generation college student, I did not know what to expect coming into college. Since joining The Alliance I have become more involved in school and I have been able to strengthen my communication skills with faculty and staff. The Alliance has provided me with a safe space where I can express any questions or concerns, I may have and I am extremely grateful to be a part of such an amazing group.” 

Berenice Bedolla Mendez - Child Development
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 5
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

“Being an Alliance Ambassador changed my life as a CSUSM student. Not only am I more involved on campus, but I get to be a part of a great community of students who inspire, educate, and motivate others. My time as an Ambassador has helped strengthen my skills in leadership, teamwork, communication, and more. I love being a part of this program!” 

Cassidy Lovell - Literature & Writing
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 5
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

 "As an immigrant, joining The Alliance has given me guidance and support to fully discover my potential as a college student. Although I was first concerned about college, becoming an ambassador helped me realize how many welcoming and friendly people we have at our CSUSM community. Also having the opportunity to work and learn from other dedicated people to help impulse education by helping current and future students of CSUSM during their college path has been a great learning experience. The Alliance is a great opportunity because you become part of something relevant while also having academic and financial support." 

Elsa Lopez Gomez - Chemistry
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 5
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

"The Alliance has given me the opportunity to continue achieving my goals. As a first-generation college student I have constantly dealt with self-doubt, but the support this program has given me is unavailable. I have learned to be perseverant and to believe in myself."

Jaqueline Arrieta Mejia – Biochemistry
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 5
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

“The alliance help me to be the person who I am, as well helping others future generations student to keep continuing their education. Never give up when things get harder, always push your limit.” 

Jesus Gomez - Chemistry
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 5
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

"I am so thankful as a first-generation college student to be a part of a program like the Alliance. The Alliance is built to provide guidance and help students succeed which has been extremely valuable to me during my time at CSUSM. The Alliance has helped me realize my potential and encouraged me to pursue my college and career goals. I am happy to know I am a part of a program that is giving me the type of experience that will benefit me far beyond college."

Julia Glorioso - Political Science and a Minor in Geography & Border Studies
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 5
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

"As an Alliance Ambassador, I have had the opportunity to work with other students who want to succeed in college just as I do. The Alliance is a great support system that guides students to learn more about the university and the resources our campus has to offer. Being able to attain a scholarship through this program has helped me financially in many ways. The Alliance is filled with amazing people and it is a great way to get involved on campus." 

Marina Rayos - Sociology and a Minor in Criminal Justice
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 5
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

"College has always been my dream, but my family and I weren't sure if we would be able to afford it. Through the Alliance I was able to find reassurance that my education was attainable. I was able to receive a Scholarship that offered opportunities of educational growth, and that would allow me to create my own legacy." 

Michelle Vazquez - Economics
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 5
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

"Not knowing where to begin or what questions to ask, college can be a daunting task. The Alliance has become a safe space where it has enabled me, coached me, and given me the confidence to continue my studies with all my questions being answered. The main benefits came from working with others, receiving individual feedback, and interacting with those behind the Alliance. I can’t speak highly enough of this program." 

Sarah Ortiz - Political Science and a Minor in Communications
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 5
Expected Graduation: Spring 2022

“I am so grateful for the support The Alliance has provided me with. University is a whole other world, and having people who understand the difficulties of being a first generation student has been an immense help.” 

Brenda Nieto - Sociology 
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024

"The Alliance has been an open door for many students including me. It has supported me in a variety of ways including career guidance, financial support though the Ambassador Scholarship program, and connecting me with campus resources. Thanks to The Alliance, I don't have to worry about purchasing textbooks.  Being part of The Alliance, I will always have support I can count on throughout college.”

Dennise Arenas - Biotechnology & Computer Science
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024

“The Alliance gives me never ending support. I receive so much love and guidance from Kathleen, Theresa, and Marleen. I know that if I ever need anything at all, they are there to help me out. This has impacted my start to college so much by setting me up for success and guiding me in the right direction. I am beyond happy to have such great support and be a part of this amazing organization." 

Hannah Campagna - Business  Administration Emphasis in Finance and a Minor in Mathematics
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024

“The Alliance Program has provided me with all types of resources, advice and has made me feel a lot more connected to the school. As a first-generation student, I am extremely thankful for all of the help I have received.”  

Jazmin Yanez - Political Science 
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024

“The transition from high school to college, especially during a pandemic, was a really scary thing for me. But after I connected with The Alliance, the community I found with them has grown my confidence, taught me tips on how to succeed, and reminded me to have fun and enjoy my journey along the way.”

Leilah Calvanico - Nursing
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024

“The Alliance has encouraged me to avidly pursue my academic endeavors. From peer support to faculty encouragement, The Alliance family fosters creativity, leadership, and compassion. The program has allowed me to build a connection with my school in a time where technology has made socialization difficult. I am eternally grateful for being part of a program that not only helps each other but young people in the community.”

Mara Castillo - Political Science 
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024

“The Alliance has been an extremely helpful program that has helped guide students during their four years of college. It has been especially helpful to first year college students as well as first generation students who are figuring out this whole college transition. The Alliance has not only made college education more attainable with the help of the programs available but has also encouraged students like me to persevere in my studies and life. The support and community built within The Alliance helps students feel like they are not alone in this journey. Overall, the directors and coordinators of The Alliance have done an amazing job at providing the best support system, which has helped students excel in college.”

Michell Aguilar Cabrera – Sociology
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024

"Growing up in a Hispanic household, there was always a limited support system. As much as my parents wished to help, most of the time they would stand by and watch me get orientated by others. Now, The Alliance is my biggest support system through college and I wouldn't want it any other way. My parents and I are eternally grateful for what The Alliance stands and how it has changed my life."  

Perla Merino Lopez – Human Development
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024

"The Alliance program allows me to meet and interact with other like-minded students, and collaborate together for a promising objective. I have been offered and provided with numerous opportunities for growth and development  as a result of being in The Alliance."

Princeston Morgan - Kinesiology
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024

"As a first-year student here at CSUSM, I felt lost because how could I adapt to a virtual setting in such a large school. The Alliance gave me confidence, support, and provided me with a smooth transition. They provided the resources I needed to have a successful first year!"

Rosa Ordonez - Liberal-Border Studies
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024

“I came into college with fear, but The Alliance has been there to talk to me and help me, and I am no longer afraid. They have given me so much support, encouragement, and guidance. Now I am continuing my college journey with anticipation, especially now that I am part of an amazing community like The Alliance!"

Rosalinda Padron - Psychology
Alliance Ambassador Cohort 6
Expected graduation – 2024