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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!

yala

Home Country
Bakersfiled, CA

Dream Job
NICU Nurse

Email Jayla

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 CSUSM
    Going to the beach with my roomies

 


rsalazar

Hometown
Ontario, California
 
Dream Job

My dream job is to be a diplomat or an international lawyer. 

Email Rachel

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 Campus
    My favorite spot on campus would definitely be the 4th floor of the library as the view is amazing.
  • Advice
    My 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.

 


Emma Farias

Hometown

San Fernado, Valley, California

Dream Job

I plan to go to law school to become a corporate lawyer.

Email Emma

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 CSUSM
    Going to the gym with my roommate or friends.
  • Advice
    Meet 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

Hometown

Cherry Valley, CA

Dream Job
NSA Cyber Security

Email Owen

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

Hometown

Dream Job

Email Emily

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.



McEwen Baker

Hometown
Temecula, California

Dream Job
Work at a software company that betters and forwards our environment towards a cleaner earth.

Email Mcewen

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!



sahand

Hometown
Erbil, Iraq

Dream 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 

 

Email Sahand

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.  



David Scupien

Hometown

Oceanside, 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

Hometown
Fontana, California


Dream Job
Speech Therapist

Email Madeline

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.



aaliyah

Hometown 

Jurupa Valley, California 

Dream Job

Criminal defense attorney or human rights attorney

Email Aaliyah

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. :)



Johanna

Hometown
Los Angles, California
 
Dream Job
 Immigration lawyer or join the California Border Patrol, CBP.

Email Johanna

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 CSUSM
    My best CSUSM memory would have to be getting lost around campus but finding new ways to get to class.
  • Favorite Thing to Do
    Drive down to Tijuana with my mom or sisters to go visit my uncle and cousins and just going out to explore with them. 

 


sneh

Hometown
Vapi Gujrat, India

Dream Job

 

Email Sneh

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

Hometown 
Orange County, California

Dream Job

 

Email Libna

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

Hometown
Twentynine-Palms, CA

Dream Job
Running my own event planning company 

 

 

 

Email Gianna

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

Hometown
La Verne, CA

Dream Job

 

Email Caitlin

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



kmendoza

Hometown
Coachella Valley, California

Dream Job

Psychiatrist at Loma Linda University, along with some kind of editing hobby.

Email Karen

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 Campus
    My 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 CSUSM
    As 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.



Kia

Hometown
Carlsbad, CA

Dream Job
Middle school or high school teacher! I would love to teach either psychology or history.

 

Email Kai

Kai Rivas | Social Sciences

  • Bio

    Hi! My name is Kai Rivas, and I am a fourth year Social Science major! Im 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 Campus
    My favorite spot on campus would be the library! I especially ike going to the Makery whenever I get the chance   
  • Best Memory at CSUSM
    My 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

Hometown
Lake Elsinore, CA

Dream Job
Being a Psychologist in a University setting. .

Email Ximena

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 Campus
    The Veterans 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 CSUSM
    Walking 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

Hometown 

Long Beach, California 

Dream Job

 

Email Mateo

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.  


aaliyah

Hometown 

Almo, Idaho 

Dream Job

 

Email Alex

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. 


aaliyah

Hometown 

El Centro, California 

Dream Job

 

Email Kimberly

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!


aaliyah

Hometown 

San Fernando Valley, California 

Dream Job
Automotive Designer

 

Email James

James Fishel | 

  • Bio
    Hello! 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 


aaliyah

Hometown 

San Marcos, California 

Dream Job

Attorney

Email Runda

Runda Balegh | Communications and Criminology and Justice Studies

  • Bio
    Hello! 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.