
Meet the Team
Staff
Elizabeth Wright
Campus Tours Coordinator
Student Ambassadors
Our Student Ambassadors (tour guides) are here to answer all of your questions about life at CSUSM! Check out their bios below and if you find yourself relating to anyone, send them an email!
Jayla Rogers | Kinesiology
- Bio
Hello! My name is Jayla Rogers, and I am a first year Kinesiology major here at California State University San Marcos. I currently live on campus, and am in a sorority. In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga!
- Favorite Spot on Campus
Palm Court
- Best Memory at CSUSMGoing to the beach with my roomies
HometownOntario, CaliforniaDream JobMy dream job is to be a diplomat or an international lawyer.
Rachel Zarate-Sanchez | Global Studies & Economics
- Bio
Hello! My name is Rachel Zarate-Sanchez and I am a first-year Global Studies and Economics major. I am originally from Ontario, CA. but now live here on-campus at the Quad.
- Favorite Things To Do
I love going to the beach, spending time with my friends, and listening to music.
- Best Memorie at CSUSM
My favorite memory here at CSUSM so far has been frequently going to the beach with my friends.
- Favorite Spot on CampusMy favorite spot on campus would definitely be the 4th floor of the library as the view is amazing.
- AdviceMy biggest advice to new students would be to stay organized and create a set schedule. It's often hard to balance school and social life in college and having a schedule helps a lot.
HometownSan Fernado, Valley, California
Dream JobI plan to go to law school to become a corporate lawyer.
Emma Farias | Political Science
- Bio
HIIII COUGARS!!! My name is Emma Farias. I am a sophomore, a Political Science major, and I live at the UVA here on campus. I am a part of student government also known as ASI, and I’m the representative for the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral, and Social Sciences. I love going to the gym, kickboxing, dancing, and hanging out with my friends and roommates.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot on campus is the ASI office because I love to hang out with my friends who are also part of student government.
- Best Memory at CSUSMGoing to the gym with my roommate or friends.
- AdviceMeet as many people as you can by joining clubs and going to events. Mostly everyone here is really friendly, you just have to make the effort to introduce yourself to them.:)
Owen Hobson | Computer Science
- Bio
I am a first year on campus and I live in the uva. I am looking to compete in the campus hackathon and get involved with the cyber security companies in the area.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
The patio on the library
- Best Memory at CSUSM
Having fun working on campus with my coworkers.
- Advice
My advice is get involved! The more you know about campus, the more comfortable and easier it will be to navigate throughout your time at CSUSM. Talk to people and don’t be afraid to make new friends.
- Favorite Thing to Do
Go to the beach or local mountains to go hiking.
Emily Molina | Literature and Writing Studies
- Bio
Hi everyone! My name is Emily Molina and I am a second year Literature and Writing Studies major.
I am originally from the high desert, but I now live in San Marcos and couldn't have made a better decision.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
I love being on campus even if I'm just doing homework at the library, or hanging out with friends at my dorm.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
I am involved with Greek life where I have met some of the best people, our weekly chapter meetings are some of my favorite CSUSM memories.
- Advice
I advise students to get involved on campus with people who will enhance your time here at CSUSM and uplift you.
Hometown
Temecula, CaliforniaDream Job
Work at a software company that betters and forwards our environment towards a cleaner earth.
McEwen Baker | Software Engineering
- Bio
Hi, my name is McEwen. I'm a third year Software Engineering student looking to better my programming skills at CSUSM, while displaying campus pride as part of CSUSM Esports.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
My best memory at CSUSM is anytime I get to hang out with friends or roommates on campus in between classes.
- Advice
Make connections with as many people as possible on campus! You never know if a classmate, professor, or staff member will give you a cool opportunity!
Hometown
Erbil, IraqDream Job
Immigration lawyer, as an immigrant myself I feel like I could benefit friends and families who have to go through what I went through
Sahand Shahoy | Criminology and Justice Studies
- Bio
I am currently a third year Criminology and Justice Studies major, I do commute to campus as well. I am a part of both the MSA club and Auto Club on campus!
- Favorite Spot on Campus
SBSB building where I get to hang out with my friends when I have free time, it’s basically our mini hangout spot!
- Best Memory at CSUSM
I can’t pinpoint an exact favorite memory, but I have a bunch of fun memories including hanging out at car meets, spending time with the Muslim club at events, and spending summer at work with my co-workers.
HometownOceanside, California
Dream Job
Stage technician for Disneyland.
David Scupien | Theatre Arts
- Bio
Hello there. My name is David Scupien and I am currently a second-year Theatre Arts major. My hometown is Oceanside, California and I have been living there my entire life.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
The Activity Center in the University Student Union (USU) building because it is such an amazing place to reward yourself when you finish your last class for the day, just completed an exam, or finished your last homework assignment.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
Playing Family Feud at USU Live with my GEL classmates because we got free food and we had a great time bonding with each other.
- Advice
Go to office hours as much as you can when you have any questions related to your coursework because all of our professors are willing to help you, want you to succeed, and achieve your desired career.
Madeline Rogers | Speech Language Pathology
- Bio
Hello, my name is Maddie! I am a speech language pathology major, and I am fluent in
American Sign Language. When I am not at work or school I love hanging out with my friends
in the dorms, watching tv, reading and going to the beach! - Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot is Gonzalez Grove because of how beautiful and
peaceful it is. - Best Memory at CSUSM
Decorating my dorm room with my roommate on move in day!
- Advice
My advice is to get involved! Join a bunch of clubs and attend on campus activities. It is
the easiest way to make friends.
HometownJurupa Valley, California
Dream JobCriminal defense attorney or human rights attorney
Aaliyah Renteria | Criminology and Justice Studies, and Sociology
- Bio
Hi everyone, my name is Aaliyah Renteria. I am a first year double major in Criminology and Justice Studies and Sociology. I am from Jurupa Valley, CA, but I live on campus in the UVA dorms. I love having bonding movie nights with my roommates. Aside from school I like to do my own nails, dance, and hang out with my friends and family.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
The Kellog Library fifth floor balcony
- Best Memory at CSUSM
One of my favorite memories is having movie nights and baking cookies with my roommates.
- Advice
I think that all students should find a balance between school and social life. We come to college to not only earn our degree, but to build relationships. Take advantage of every opportunity you get here. :)
HometownLos Angles, CaliforniaDream Job
Immigration lawyer or join the California Border Patrol, CBP.
Johanna Orta | Social Sciences
- Bio
Hi! My name is Johanna and I am a first year Social Sciences-Poli Sci major. I am from a small city about 15-20 minutes from Los Angeles, called Pico Rivera, many may know it for its sport arena dances or for the name "Picolandia", but currently I live on-campus at The Quad.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot on campus would have to be the library study rooms because its quiet and its a place that I can do my work more efficiently.
- Best Memory at CSUSMMy best CSUSM memory would have to be getting lost around campus but finding new ways to get to class.
- Favorite Thing to DoDrive down to Tijuana with my mom or sisters to go visit my uncle and cousins and just going out to explore with them.
Sneh Vinay Mistry | Computer Science
- Bio
I'm a freshman at California State University San Marcos, traveling all the way from India to pursue my bachelor's degree in Computer Science. As an international student, it's been an exciting journey so far, exploring new experiences, cultures, and academic challenges in this vibrant and diverse campus environment
- Favorite Spot on Campus
Kellog Library
- Best Memory at CSUSM
Everyone here is incredibly kind, with genuine warmth that makes you feel welcome instantly. And the views? Absolutely stunning! Every corner reveals breathtaking scenery, like walking through a postcard. It’s the perfect blend of amazing people and picturesque landscapes, creating an experience that’s both heartwarming and awe-inspiring
- Favorite Thing To Do
Cook food, Talk with people, Sleep, And Study ofcourse.
Libna Diaz | Liberal Studies
- Bio
In the future, I hope to be an elementary school teacher and then become a high school counselor. I currently live on campus, which I enjoy because it has taught me many things and it has improved my social skills. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with friends and going to the pool at night. I also like to binge-watch true crime videos.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot on campus would have to be the 4th floor of the library because the views are so peaceful and I can concentrate and actually get my work done.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
My favorite experience here is being involved in the CSUSM community and creating these friend groups filled with new life long memories.
- Favorite Thing To Do
One of my favorite memories while being at CSUSM is when I attended one of the Latinx events. There was a great and positive environment all around and we got to enjoy free food!
Gianna Bilderain | Business Management/ Entrepreneurship
- Bio
Hello! My name is Gianna, and I am a third-year business major! I am currently focusing on entrepreneurship since I plan on founding my own event planning company with a focus on weddings.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot on campus is Palm Court. I grew up in a city full of palm trees so it’s nice to sit there when I am feeling a little homesick.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
I am Greek life affiliated so my favorite memory at CSUSM is every time I spend time with my sisters. They have become my home away from home.
- Favorite Thing to Do
I love going out to eat and going to the beach with my sisters.
Caitlin Miranda | Social Science
- Bio
Hello! My name is Caitlin Miranda, and I am a Second-year Social Science major. With Social Science, I am studying Communications, Political Science, and Psychology. My hometown is La Verne, CA but during school, I live on campus at the Quad.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
y favorite spot on campus is the patio behind the SBSB building and the Green Roof at the USU.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
IMy favorite memory at CSUSM was orientation when I met my two best friends.
- Favorite Thing to Do
I love to go to the beach and spending money at Barnes and Noble.
Hometown
Coachella Valley, CaliforniaDream JobPsychiatrist at Loma Linda University, along with some kind of editing hobby.
Karen Mendoza | Psychology and Film
- Bio
Hello! My name is Karen Mendoza and I am a first-year Psychology and Film major. I am from the Coachella Valley, where the Coachella fest is held at, however I am currently living on-campus at the UVA.
- Favorite Spot on CampusMy favorite spot on campus is the grass area near the University hall going all the way to the Art Building, it's a really calm and peaceful place.
- Best Memory at CSUSMAs of now, my favorite memory at CSUSM was seeing the view of the city of San Marcos for the first time on the 4th floor of the Academic Hall. It brought me chills, and it made me realize that I made the right decision of attending here, and also that this was the start of my adult life. "
- Favorite Things to Do
Editing, which I have to thank my digital film teacher for showing me the skills and knowledge about Digital production.
Hometown
Carlsbad, CADream JobMiddle school or high school teacher! I would love to teach either psychology or history.
Kai Rivas | Social Sciences
- Bio
Hi! My name is Kai Rivas, and I am a fourth year Social Science major! I’m studying three different fields; my primary field of study is psychology, and my secondary fields are history and women's gender and sexuality studies.
- Favorite Spot on CampusMy favorite spot on campus would be the library! I especially ike going to the Makery whenever I get the chance.
- Best Memory at CSUSMMy best memory at CSUSM is when I went to Cougar Blue Day. I got the chance to meet professors from the social science department and see where all my classes were going to be at.
- Favorite Things to Do
I like to read and play volleyball during my free time!
Ximena Arana | Psychology
- Bio
Hi everyone! My name is Ximena, and I'm a third-year psychology major looking to get my PhD after I receive my bachelors. I studied at MSJC and graduated with my Associates of Arts before transferring to our wonderful campus!
- Favorite Spot on CampusThe Veteran’s Center! Although I’m not veteran affiliated, I like to hang out there because it’s quiet and comfy, it helps when I’m trying to study in nice weather
- Best Memory at CSUSMWalking around campus for the first time and experiencing the excitement of starting somewhere new. Seeing how beautiful the campus is always gives me such warmth at knowing I am here!
- Dream Job
Read and find new cute areas on campus.
Mateo Rivera| Psychology
- Bio
Hi everyone! My name is Mateo and I am a first year here on campus. I am studying psychology and I plan on being a therapist in the future.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot on campus must be Campus Coffee, I really love their banana split smoothie.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
My favorite memory has to be when I ate pizza with the president of CSUSM, that was really cool and she was so sweet.
Alex Shilling | Psychology
- Bio
Hi! My name is Alex and I am studying psychology. This is my second year here and I live off Campus. My goal after college is to be an online therapist so that I can travel at the same time.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
The makery in the library.
- Best Memory at CSUSM
Playing volleyball with my friends at campus recreation.
- Favorite Things to Do
I enjoy going to the library with my friends to do homework.
Kimberly Aguirre | Criminology and Justice Studies with a Minor in Psychology
- Bio
Hi, my name is Kimberly Aguirre, I am a Second-Year Criminology Major. I would like to become a Criminal Psychologist in the future.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
The library, I like to study there or have quiet time!
- Best Memory at CSUSM
There are so many good memories that I have here at this school, I think my favorite would have to be meeting all my friends here!
James Fishel |
- BioHello! My name is James & I’m a third year Electrical Engineering major. I currently commute to campus but used to live at the UVA.
- Favorite Spot on Campus
Kellogg Library
- Best Memory at CSUSM
Late night study sessions with friends and eating hot chicken tenders
- Favorite Things to Do
Get a Mango lemonade at the Campus Coffee Cart
Runda Balegh | Communications and Criminology and Justice Studies
- BioHello! My name is Runda Balegh, I am a third-year double majoring in Communications and Criminology and Justice Studies. I’m originally born in Egypt but lived in San Marcos my whole life. I’m President of my cultural club on campus!
- Favorite Spot on Campus
My favorite spot on campus would be The Makery because it's a great place to relax and study!
- Best Memory at CSUSM
My best memory at CSUSM would be going to the beach and other fun places nearby with friends!
- Favorite Things to Do
I like to play volleyball and spend time with friends.