From uncertainty to impact: How Ryan Stairs found his path at CSUSB

When Ryan Stairs transferred to Cal State San Bernardino, he was looking for something many students can relate to: certainty about what comes next. He found that at CSUSB.

“Coming out of the pandemic, there were a lot of unknowns,” he said. “Getting that sense of certainty made me feel like I was ready for the next step.”

Now a senior computer science major graduating in spring 2026, Stairs has transformed that early uncertainty into confidence, finding his place through hands-on learning, meaningful work, and a campus community that supports his goals.

Ryan’s journey to CSUSB began at Crafton Hills College, where he participated in Instant Admit Day, a streamlined admissions event that helps transfer students receive on-the-spot admission decisions by meeting with counselors and who review their transcripts in real time.

For Stairs, the experience was simple, supportive, and reassuring.

“I showed up with my transcript, and they walked me through everything,” he said. “Then they told me, ‘You’re good to go.’ It was straightforward and took a lot of stress off my shoulders.”

More than just a convenient process, his Instant Admit Day experience gave him the confidence to move forward.

“Hearing that I was ready and on the right path made a huge difference,” he said.

At CSUSB, Stairs quickly discovered that learning extends far beyond lectures and coding assignments.

As a student assistant in the Digital Transformation office, he contributed to one of the university’s most visible digital initiatives — the “Join the Pack” website, which helps prospective students explore CSUSB and learn about programs and resources. Working behind the scenes, he managed much of the site’s backend coding, bringing the platform to life.

“It’s a site that a lot of future students will see when they’re deciding where to go,” he said. “Being part of something like that is something I’ll always be proud of.”

Working on the project gave Stairs valuable, real-world experience, especially in collaboration.

“The biggest thing I learned was how to work with people outside of my field and bring different ideas together to build something better,” he said.

From developers to designers to campus partners, Stairs learned how to bridge technical and creative perspectives, an essential skill for his future career in video game development.

“In game development, you’re constantly working with different teams,” he said. “Having that experience now really prepares me for what’s ahead.”

As a commuter student, Stairs knew building connections might take extra effort — but he found his community in simple, meaningful ways.

Joining the board game club gave him a space to relax, connect and build friendships.

“It’s just a lot of fun to have people you can hang out with on campus,” he said.

Working on campus also helped him feel more connected and supported.

“It gave me a sense of purpose and helped me feel like I’m part of the campus — not just someone who comes here for class,” he said.

For Stairs, choosing CSUSB was more than a practical decision — it was personal.

With multiple family members having attended the university, he already felt a strong connection before stepping on campus. His mom is a three-time alumna, his grandmother earned her bachelor’s degree in 1977, and his sister graduated in 2025.

“I saw how positive their experiences were,” he said. “I knew this was a place that really cares about its students.”

Now, he’s proud to carry on that legacy.

“Being part of that tradition means a lot to me,” he said.

As Stairs prepares to graduate, he encourages future students, especially transfers, to trust the process and take advantage of the support around them.

“Don’t be afraid to take that next step,” he said. “You’ll be supported here, and there are people who want to see you succeed.”

He also emphasizes the value of networking.

“Make connections with people,” he said. “Those relationships can open doors and create opportunities you might not expect.”