Patricia Tulloch considers herself to have two homes: her childhood home in Vista and Cal State San Marcos.   Growing up, Tulloch spent most of her summers and free time at Cal State San Marcos, either tagging along with her mom at work, running through the halls or volunteering.   Tulloch’s mom, Tricia Henlon, is an alumna of CSUSM’s class of 1995 and now works as the budget and operations manager for the Extended Learning Building. As such a longstanding member of the campus community, she got to see it grow exponentially while raising her daughter.   “My mom was here back when signups for the school were in the Jerome’s parking lot,” Tulloch said. “It’s been cool to kind of compare and contrast her experience to mine. When the time came to choose where to go for my bachelor's, I already had such a strong connection to the campus, it was an easy decision to follow in my mom’s footsteps.”   In 2019, 24 years after her mom graduated, Tulloch enrolled at Cal State San Marcos to study biology.   Tulloch had gained interest in the sciences at an early age. The world of medicine and healing sounded fascinating to her, and she was eager to learn more about the field alongside those who shared her passion.   Unfortunately, the first half of her college career was derailed due to the pandemic. Opportunities to connect with peers and join organizations were stilted, and Tulloch found herself feeling removed from a sense of community with everything moved to online.  “I didn’t really know anyone who was interested in medicine or similar things,” said Tulloch. “I also didn’t know how to put myself out there or have anyone to guide me, so it felt hard for me to get involved.”  As the pandemic progressed and Tulloch reached her sophomore year, she decided to take action and carve out her own path to meet other students on the medical track. She joined the Pre-Health Society as event coordinator, hosting beach clean-ups and setting up workshops to make baby blankets for sick children. With each event, Tulloch built connections with her peers and recognized how others felt similarly disconnected to the community after the pandemic. This inspired her to become a student liaison to mentor other members and raise camaraderie within the organization.   Thriving in her leadership roles, Tulloch felt ready to tackle her next challenge and became president of the Pre-Health Society for the 2022-23 school year. Handling communications and brainstorming ideas to expand the club’s reach, Tulloch put together the event she is most proud of, a panel of UC San Diego School of Medicine students who shared their experiences and advice with CSUSM students.   “Growing the pre-medical space on campus has been so important to me these past years,” Tulloch said. “We’re a small but mighty community, and I think it’s so important to create a space for students where they can come in and nurture their passions in an environment that feels safe and supportive.”   Tulloch helped students identify and guide their interests in other organizations, as well. Understanding the importance of mentorship and thinking about what she wished she knew early on in her education journey, Tulloch joined the leadership team for the Student Healthcare Readiness Program. This program works with high school students interested in studying medicine and offers them support to ensure they start college feeling confident and prepared.  “It’s such an awesome feeling to know that you can have a positive effect on somebody,” Tulloch said. “Seeing potential in someone that they haven’t quite yet seen in themselves and pulling it out of them and watching their confidence grow is something I can’t even put into words. I love it.”   As Tulloch expanded her community with each new mentee and peer, she also developed her research skills and real-world experience with medicine.   She conducted research studies alongside biology professors Julie Jameson and Elinne Becket and has presented at national conferences. She also became treasurer of the Flying Samaritans, a club on campus that hosts a free clinic in Mexico and offers checkups to residents who face barriers accessing health care.   “If you had asked me if I would be doing research or getting involved in such exciting things when I first started college, I would have laughed at you,” Tulloch said. “I think I’ve done more than I ever expected to, and that’s an amazing feeling to have.”   This spring, Tulloch, who was named the CSTEM Dean's Outstanding Graduate for her academic and service accomplishments, graduated with a bachelor’s in biology and minor in public health. She is looking forward to pursuing medical school, and currently she is working as a medical assistant at Scripps Medical Center and practicing pediatrics and adult medicine.   “As I watched Patty grow into a beautiful young lady who has always wanted to be a doctor, she has faced challenges with grace, embraced opportunities with courage and pursued her dreams with hard work, perseverance and dedication,” Henlon said. “I am so proud of her.”  Tulloch considers her experiences at CSUSM and the support of her mom to be what have shaped her into the person that she is today.   “Since I was little, my mom has told me I can be whatever I want to be, and I think her unwavering belief and confidence has always left me sure that I can do anything I set my mind to,” Tulloch said. “She is the blueprint for me. She is my best friend, my biggest supporter and the best person I know.  “Being raised by her and growing up around the Extended Learning staff and the deans over there, has truly been some of the best mentorship for me.”   Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

More than 4,000 Cal State San Marcos students walked across the commencement stage during six ceremonies over two days at Mangrum Track and Field on campus. Relive some of the highlights from the two days in the commencement photo slideshow. College of Business Administration College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences 2 College of Education, Health and Human Services College of Education, Health and Human Services 2 College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Cal State San Marcos, in partnership with Congressman Scott Peters, hosted a distinguished panel of experts in Washington, D.C., focused on the critical issue of social mobility in higher education. Social mobility is vital because it reflects the impact colleges and universities provide for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds to change their trajectory and achieve upward mobility -- professionally, economically and personally. The social mobility panel, attended by Capitol Hill leaders, California State University (CSU) Board Chair Wenda Fong, academia and local San Diego partners, focused on student success and empowering the next generation of changemakers. CSU Chancellor Mildred García shared a message of hope and the incredible impact of the CSU in serving America’s new majority: first-generation students, students of color and low-income students. CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt moderated the panel of esteemed thought-leaders and described a landscape of why social mobility discussions and actions matters and the direct connection to workforce development. The discussion emphasized the importance of collaborating with leaders on Capitol Hill and agencies in Washington to drive policy change and implement effective models for universities to increase accessibility and promote equitable outcomes in higher education. President Neufeldt acknowledged Peters’ invaluable support, stating, “We are so grateful for the collaboration of Congressman Peters to invest his efforts into facilitating a powerful conversation to unlock barriers faced by our students and propel them into lifelong success.” Peters praised CSUSM’s unwavering commitment to advancing social mobility, citing that the university ranks in the top 1% in the nation in CollegeNET's Social Mobility Index. Unlike traditional rankings that prioritize exclusivity, the Social Mobility Index's rankings show that CSUSM remains focused on student outcomes and prioritizes student success and community impact. This remains a high priority for CSU campuses among other nationally ranked universities that are committed to advancing social and economic equity. The panel brought together experts from national organizations to illuminate actionable strategies to advance social mobility for students from all backgrounds. It highlighted the importance of tangible outcomes that show the value of education and its contribution to our economy and society. Dr. Dietra Trent, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) provided compelling statistics that illustrate how impactful HBCUs have been in advancing the social mobility of their students. Dr. Trent stressed the need to meet students where they are to provide genuine value for their investment in education and their future. From the American Association of State Colleges & Universities (AASCU), Vice President of Government Relations and Policy Analysis Luis Maldonado described how AASCU institutions overwhelmingly serve the “new majority” student population and deliver on America’s promise of opportunities for all. He agreed with Neufeldt on the importance of collaboration to advance educational equity, noting that social mobility initiatives require multifaceted efforts involving policy agendas and community advocacy. Frank Ballman, the Director of Federal Relations at the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs, discussed the responsibility of universities to proactively advocate for financial aid. Ballman echoed sentiments to prioritize collaboration, especially between state and federal agencies to develop more effective strategies aimed at ensuring accessible and equitable education for students across all income levels. As CSUSM continues to champion social mobility and student success, events like the social mobility panel are intended to invite diverse perspectives into the conversation and create solutions for a more equitable and inclusive society. Through collaboration and innovation, CSUSM is paving the way for a brighter future for every student. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Craftsmanship runs in the Arceo family.  While her father has been an exceptional woodcarver for decades, Tania Arceo focuses on painting. But not in the way one would expect. A child and adolescent development major at Cal State San Marcos, Arceo has spent the last year and a half working with Voices for Children, a nonprofit organization where volunteers are trained to become court-appointed special advocates (CASAs). Volunteers like Arceo represent juvenile dependency cases in San Diego County. “I'm basically their companion and their voice,” Arceo said. “I have the honor of getting to understand their stories and represent them in front of the judge during the various court cases and meetings that we have.”  Arceo is making a strong impact on the foster youth that she represents. She focuses on displaying a unique visual element of the children, allowing the judges to understand them better.   “They're typically this black-and-white file,” Arceo said. “The judge really wants to know who the child is at their core, what is in their best interest, so I paint their picture. And it's important to paint that part of the picture for everybody so that they can understand these children and their behaviors. Sometimes they act in a certain way, and we label that as negative or we label the child as struggling. But all that child really needs is somebody to invest in them a little bit of attention.”  As someone who deals with imposter syndrome, Areceo had an eye-opening experience when she realized how much of an impact she makes on the children.  “I try to highlight them in court. I talk to them about all their strengths, their differing abilities, and I give recommendations on what the best placement for them is,” Arceo said. “To my surprise, every single time that I've gone to court, my suggestions are the ones chosen.”  Arceo had to go through a month of training to be part of Voices for Children. That period helped her understand the different situations she might face. She also was trained in court report writing.  Areceo feels such a connection for these kids because of her past experiences. Born in Tijuana, Areceo and her family moved to San Diego when she was just 6 months old. Her father was offered a job at a factory, which prompted the family’s move.  Arceo’s father was offered the job due his work as a woodcarver. He was orphaned by the time he was 14 and, being the oldest of six siblings, he took on the responsibility to care for the family.  With this new burden, her father looked toward the art of woodcarving to make ends meet.  “He would stop by these wood shops and he would hang out for a while before they would shoo him away,” Arceo said. “Eventually they told them, ‘If you're gonna hang out here, then might as well put you to use,’ and they started teaching him carpentry. He really fell in love with it and started engaging with the art of woodcarving.” Arceo’s father is attracted to woodcarving in large part because of the magic he finds in the wood and the story it tells.  For Arceo’s upcoming graduation, her father used his skills to show admiration for his daughter being the first in the family to graduate from college. The wooden gift points out important characteristics of her journey at CSUSM. While his woodcarving talent brought the Arceo family to the United States, it continues to forge a connection between Arceo and her father.  “I do woodworking as a kind of side hobby, more so to spend time with my dad,” Arceo said.  “I want to spend time with him and listen to his stories.”  Arceo’s father is interested in mythology and Mexican culture, and Arceo loves to listen to him share his knowledge on the subjects. Since he did not have access to education or amenities such as a library, Arceo believes she owes it to him to pursue higher education.  “The fact that they were able to bring me here and allow me to open up these doors for myself, I know that it means so much to my parents," she said. "I could do something that they didn't have the opportunity to do.”  Arceo will wrap up this chapter at commencement this weekend. But she’ll be back on campus in the fall as part of the Master of Social Work program as she looks toward a career with Child Protective Services.  Her family will be cheering her on in the crowd while she gets her diploma, and they will continue to cheer her on no matter what she does next. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Karissa Tran is a San Marcos native who entered Cal State San Marcos intending to study clinical psychology. Nicolas Morales is a transfer from Northern Arizona University who came to CSUSM with a goal to become a physical therapist or physician’s assistant. Both learned through faculty mentors about the existence of a new program to train students in research that would help them lessen the harmful effects of tobacco and vape use in their communities. It didn’t quite dovetail with their academic interests at the time, but both thought it sounded like a good opportunity to develop their research skills in an area that long has been vital to public health in the United States. Now, almost two years later, Tran and Morales are not only graduating from CSUSM – Tran with a degree in psychology, Morales in kinesiology – but they are standouts in the first cohort of eight students to complete the Smoke and Vape Free Scholars Initiative Program for Reducing Tobacco Disease in Diverse Communities (SVFSIP). The initiative, which involves a partnership with UC San Diego, is the result of a four-year, $1.3 million grant from a state agency named the Tobacco Related Disease Research Program, or TRDRP. The training opportunity is tailored to students from racial/ethnic minoritized, low-income or LGBTQ+ groups, the same populations that studies show are disproportionately targeted by tobacco companies and affected by tobacco-related disease. Thanks in large part to their experience in SVFSIP over the last two years, Tran and Morales are headed to graduate school to continue their research in public health. This fall, Tran will begin pursuit of a Ph.D. in health psychology at UCLA, while Morales will start a Master of Public Health program at San Diego State, with a doctorate on the horizon for him as well. “It’s been absolutely wonderful,” Tran said. “I really credit the program and my mentors for getting me to where I am and pushing me to the point where I can accomplish my next steps. Without them, this wouldn’t be possible.” Said Morales: “Overall, I think the program was amazing. I got to meet remarkable people that hopefully are going to be colleagues in the future.” The faculty who shepherded the inaugural cohort through SVFSIP (seven other students just finished their first of two years) are Kim Pulvers, a psychology professor who has devoted her career to tobacco-related research, and Richard Armenta, a kinesiology professor who’s the associate director for the Center for Training, Research and Educational Excellence (CTREE). SVFSIP is one of many programs housed within CTREE, the mission of which is to enhance the educational and research experiences of students from underserved backgrounds. “Developing the resources to provide students a substantial training experience to grow as researchers and advocates reducing the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States has been very rewarding,” Pulvers said. “I am proud that the footprint for tobacco research at CSUSM has grown beyond the studies that I conduct and the students I personally mentor.” The eight students who are the initial SVFSIP graduates spent their first year working with a mentor on research project related to prevention or treatment. During the recently completed second year, they worked with a community-based tobacco control specialist on a local advocacy project. Throughout the program, they received an annual stipend and a discount of 50% on tuition. For her research year, Tran was paired with Pulvers on two studies. The first examined the relationship between the age that a person first uses cannabis and their current level of abuse, and whether anxiety or depression helps explain that relationship. The second explored behavioral economic demand for cannabis and tobacco among young adults. For her advocacy year that is wrapping up this month, Tran worked for the California Youth Advocacy Network (CYAN), investigating the legality of tobacco sales to several college campuses in the state. In between, she was selected for a competitive internship last summer with the National Cancer Institute in Maryland, a 10-week assignment that was extended into the entire academic year based on the quality of her research output. In his first year, Morales was mentored by Eric Leas, a public health professor at UCSD. His two research projects concerned the self-reporting of adverse effects from the use of delta-8 THC, a psychoactive substance found in cannabis, and searching for loopholes in the enforcement of the ban on flavored vape products in California. The latter study was published in the online journal Tobacco Control. After a summer internship in which he continued his research with Leas at UCSD, Morales for his advocacy year worked at the Institute for Public Health at SDSU. There, he collected data on the extent to which current and former tobacco users are up to date on non-lung-related cancer screenings, since tobacco use increases the likelihood of developing more than a dozen different types of cancer.   Morales says his curiosity with this line of research stems from his own history as a smoker of both cigarettes and vapes. “I felt like it was affecting my physical and mental health as well as affecting the people around me,” he said. “I wanted to get out of that, and I pulled myself out of it. So when I found out about the TRDRP scholars program, it particularly sparked my interest just from my previous use.” Pulvers credited the training and mentorship provided by CTREE, led by Armenta and biology professor Denise Garcia, the co-direction of research internships by UCSD faculty member Dennis Trinidad, and the support of community partners like CYAN, Vista Community Clinic and SAY San Diego for the success of SVFSIP thus far. “The level of student training in tobacco prevention and treatment research and advocacy and student outcomes achieved would not be possible without the time and talent of our research and advocacy mentors,” Pulvers said. Media Contact Brian Hiro, Communications Specialist bhiro@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7306

In a landmark moment for youth mental health, Cal State San Marcos has received a grant of $250,000 from the Prebys Foundation to advance mental health services for its diverse student population. The grant is a part of the Prebys Foundation’s recent announcement of a $6 million investment in grants to 23 local organizations during Mental Health Awareness Month.   At a time when mental health challenges among young people are pervasive and most CSUSM students come from systematically disadvantaged communities where accessing mental and behavioral health services is stigmatized, the Prebys Foundation’s support for bolstering inclusivity and accessibility in mental health intervention is paramount. The grant not only enhances crisis response, mental health training and peer support initiatives on campus, but also it serves as a collective commitment toward fostering a supportive environment where all students can thrive academically and personally.  Additionally, this funding will broaden resources like the Health Assistance Fund and BetterYou app, and it will provide stipends to Master of Social Work interns, promoting social mobility by empowering students to pursue their education without sacrificing employment opportunities. Student voices are echoing the significance of such investments in mental health support. “I will always be so grateful for Student Health & Counseling Services because it allowed me to receive the mental well-being help I needed,” said CSUSM student Amber Arenas, who's pursuing a double major in psychology and criminology and justice studies. “Everyone has financial burdens, and this fund helps a lot of us not have the stress of money so we can fully spend our time being a college student and becoming academically successful.”   Social mobility cannot exist without breaking down these systemic barriers to provide students with access to testing, training and treatment that honors their lived experiences. CSUSM’s Community of Care initiative aims to enhance these wraparound services and address the mental health needs of students.  The impact of the Prebys Foundation grant will be amplified further thanks to a recent philanthropic pledge. In March, CSUSM Foundation Board Director Dan Epstein and his wife, Phyllis, made a transformational $10 million matching gift to CSUSM, effectively doubling the foundation grant into a total of $500,000. CSUSM’s receipt of the Prebys Foundation grant, coupled with the Epstein matching gift, symbolizes the power of community partnerships in effecting transformative change.  Grant Oliphant, CEO of the Prebys Foundation, emphasized the importance of empowering young individuals and building meaningful community ties. “San Diego can become a national model by consistently supporting the well-being of youth and young adults," Oliphant said. "The health and vitality of student leaders are crucial for a vibrant future.”  As CSUSM continues its mission to strengthen mental health services, the university remains dedicated to ensuring that students thrive academically and personally, irrespective of background or circumstance. To get involved in mental health and wellness efforts on campus, follow the Cougar Care Network (@csusmccn) and SHCS's HOPE & Wellness Center (@csusmhope) on social media.   Visit the Health Assistance Fund and Student Health & Counseling Services websites to learn about upcoming Mental Health First Aid trainings.    Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Cheyenne Smith never felt like she fully belonged. As a biracial woman, she was trapped within an agonizing dilemma of feeling too white-passing to be entitled to her American Indian heritage. This paradox made navigating life as a college student, especially during a global pandemic, challenging.   As a transfer student from MiraCosta College, Smith’s arrival at Cal State San Marcos was a frightening one. She worried that she again would feel isolated in a new environment. But Smith not only found a place where she felt fully accepted, she found a new place to call home.   "Cheyenne exemplifies the spirit of community engagement and scholarly excellence that we hold dear at the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center (CICSC)," said Joely Proudfit, one of Smith's mentors and the director of the CICSC. "Throughout her time at CSUSM, she has profoundly impacted her peers, the campus and the broader community through her unwavering kindness, empathy and dedication to service.”   While much of Smith’s family identifies as white, her father is American Indian, having been adopted into a white family. It was with her father’s help that Smith learned to embrace her Lakota heritage and its traditions. But she always craved more. After her parents divorced, Smith lived with her mother in Oceanside, losing some of the closeness she had with her father. Neither of her parents had earned a college degree – her father was in the military and her mother became pregnant with Smith while enrolled in college. However, this fueled Smith’s desire to become the first in her family to graduate from college and follow her passions.  “I think I just want to be an inspiration to them,” Smith said. Smith spent most of her first two years of college quarantined due to the COVID-19 pandemic, giving her few opportunities to connect with her peers or other students like herself.  “I was trapped inside, there was nothing happening,” she said. “I felt like I was not progressing.”  That began to change after she transferred to CSUSM in 2022.   During her first year, Smith joined the American Indian Student Alliance (AISA), which turned into a life-changing experience as she discovered a sense of community, pride in her heritage and mentors like Proudfit, American Indian studies professor Eric Tippeconnic and CICSC program specialist Monica Zavala. For the first time, Smith felt like she belonged and was encouraged to embrace her identity.   “Through AISA, I saw not only people who presented strongly as Indigenous, but also people who looked similar to me and didn’t see themselves as less Indigenous,” Smith said.   Even with this new community, college life still proved to be challenging. Struggling with severe anxiety and depression during her second semester at CSUSM, Smith began to seclude herself and stopped attending classes. She spent most of that time tucked away in her bed, ignoring worried messages from professors, friends and mentors. She dreaded facing pressure from school and her personal life.  “I feel like I did have a lot of support during that time that I just wasn't willing to take,” she said. “I do regret not taking advantage of the support my friends and professors offered me. They were doing the best they could. They knew something was wrong with me because it was not like me to just disappear like that.”  Smith failed most of her classes that semester, but it was also a turning point that changed the course of her academic journey. Once more, Smith turned toward AISA and her support system.   Smith started attending classes again, elevated her academic standing and searched for opportunities to advance in her career path. During her search, a friend from AISA encouraged Smith to apply for a position in psychology professor Kim Pulvers’ research lab for a Tobacco, E-Cigarette and Cannabis Waste Randomized Control Trial (TECW RCT). Smith is grateful to Pulvers for looking past her grades from the previous semester and recognizing her potential.   The TECW RCT became a great opportunity for Smith to garner more experience working as a counselor and preparing to become a social worker. Smith also became involved in the CICSC, through which she has helped spread awareness of the benefits of American Indian student centers on college campuses. Even though there were some bumps in the road, Smith came back more determined than ever, inspired to help people like her in the same way that CSUSM, AISA and CICSC had helped her.   “I'm probably the most at peace I've ever been,” Smith said.  Smith is motivated by the words of Tippeconnic, one of her mentors, who told her, “A win for you is a win for the community.” For the next year, she will further her research at CSUSM, this time as a faculty member, before attending graduate school. She has her sights on eventually becoming a social worker for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women organization, helping American Indian women feel supported in their efforts to combat violence against Native people.   “As she transitions from our halls to the broader stages of professional life and graduate studies, we are filled with pride and anticipation,” Proudfit said. “Cheyenne's commitment to serving both the American Indian community and society at large promises to forge paths of positive change and enduring impact. We are excited to see the remarkable contributions she will undoubtedly make in her future endeavors.”  At commencement, Smith will walk across the stage to accept her bachelor’s degree in social sciences, proudly representing her Indigenous heritage by donning a hand-beaded hummingbird on her cap.   “Hummingbirds represent healing and transformation,” she said. “I feel like I really resonate with that.”   At CSUSM, Smith has gained much more than just a degree. She found a home that helped her heal and transform into a proud biracial woman who’s ready to spread her wings.  Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314

Amanda Escobar is a fourth-year, first-generation criminology and justice studies major at Cal State San Marcos with an aspiration to be a dentist. She is finishing her major requirements this week while also taking classes to meet the requirements to get into dental school. Although this seems simple, her story is not. Neither is her naturally altruistic outlook on life. Escobar devotes most of her free time to a nonprofit mobile dental clinic hosted by USC. The clinic mainly serves children but also migrant workers, unhoused people and the underprivileged in need of dental care.  Escobar said many people served by the clinic have never received dental care.  “I was talking to these two mothers who came to the clinic, and they said they had just come from Guatemala two months ago,” Escobar said. “They explained to me that their two children have never received dental work. I’m glad we were able to help these kids with something that is so important yet taken for granted by some.”  Escobar was shocked that the family had just moved to America, and she already was able to help them.  A career in criminology and justice studies is quite different from being a dentist. But Escobar has found that the major helps her better understand situations at the clinic.  Recently, two boys ages 16 and 17 were brought to the clinic from juvenile detention. One of them was hesitant to receive dental work because of his past. Because she is familiar with this topic from her coursework, Escobar incorporated prior knowledge to assess the situation in a different light than most people. She approached the boy's care with a greater understanding of his needs. “I totally understand,” she said. “I took a class on juvenile delinquency, and I thought, it’s not them, it's the system that breaks their trust. We had to reassure him that the clinic is trying to help him, not hurt him.” Escobar had to overcome a lot to be where she is today. For starters, she had to learn how to get through college without her parents understanding her struggles.  While her parents had to focus on working and making a home in a strange country, she had to navigate her academic journey largely by herself.  “My college journey has been hard being a first-generation student and my parents coming from El Salvador,” Escobar said.  She entered CSUSM on a good note, passing all of her classes in her first year. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, however, Escobar’s mental health took a turn for the worse.  Receiving below a 2.0 GPA in her second year of college, she knew something had to be wrong beyond just the struggles of the pandemic. She had no motivation. She fell into a dark place, feeling like her parents didn’t understand the hard work required to receiving an education. She felt isolated. Battling feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts, Escobar realized she needed help. She reached out to a doctor on campus to express her concerns. The medical team drove her to a local hospital for critical support. She was diagnosed with depression and ADHD, which she said made her feel understood.  “Society has such high expectations of women that women feel they have to mask their true identity from the people around them,” Escobar said. Escobar felt like she had to disguise herself for the purpose of fitting into society, which caused her depression to skyrocket.  The diagnosis of ADHD and depression was a huge relief. It reminded her that she's capable of success and that it wasn’t her fault she was being held back from it. Escobar began working at the mobile dental clinic, started to gain a support system and became inspired.  “The people I worked with at the clinic were the ones checking up on me because my parents don’t know anything about the application cycle with dental school,” she said. “The faculty at the clinic would ask me about certain classes I was taking or provide recommendations to different study materials or applications." This support motivated Escobar to work toward a goal of becoming a dentist. She made the dean’s list last fall and will graduate this week.  She plans to use the next year to study for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) as part of the application process. USC is her dream dental school. Perhaps the only thing clearer than her goal is her motivation – to have a positive effect on her community. “Every single time I go to the USC mobile clinic and I come back, I feel that confirmation that this is what I want to do, and I need to get certain things done so I can get to that point,” she said. Media Contact Eric Breier, Interim Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314