California State University San Bernardino 

Eloy Garcia, Student, Communication Studies

Cal State San Bernardino absolutely exceeded my expectations. 
As a first-gen student, I wasn't sure what to expect; but when I got here, my mind was blown. 
Here at CSUSB, I really feel seen and represented through the resources, the programs, 
the faculty, the staff, and the other students here on campus. 
Cal State San Bernardino has provided the opportunities to learn new skills, 
to practice skills that I already enjoyed, and having a space for queer people to be 
and resources for our community as well. 
CSUSB has really provided all of the opportunities 
that I didn't know I needed and the ones I knew I needed. 
As a student, it's very important to be involved in your campus community. 
Being here at CSUSB means you're part of the fabric of the community. 
I attended the Circle of Change Leadership Conference. 
That's a conference that puts college students in the same room as people from like Disney 
and Coca-Cola and other big-name employers, and they share with the attendees what to do 
as a first-generation student and how to leverage your resources. 
So when I attended that conference, I really thought this is wonderful. 
If we had this resource year-round, then students would have a better access to it 
and there wouldn't be that barrier of having to pay or having to apply. 
They could just listen to my podcast and get all of the information that they need. 
My podcast is called "LPDCast: Leadership and Professional Development-cast 
for first-generation students and Queer People." 
And we provide skills, habits, and resources for leadership, 
personal, and professional development. 
I'm also self-publishing my first book. 
It is parallel to LPDCast. 
I decided to write "Perseverance Pays Off" to validate diversity lived experiences 
and also motivate people to show up to their lives day after day, year after year, 
regardless of what they go through. 
I'm really excited to advocate for the community and also to leverage what I've learned here 
at Cal State San Bernardino and go into the community and work in public services. 
So, after graduating with my undergrad, 
I am planning on attending graduate school here as well. 
I have an end goal of being a professor, and I really enjoy the Communication program here. 
So I want to stay here at CSUSB. 
My name is Eloy Garcia. 
I love CSUSB, and I'm a Coyote for life! 

[ Coyote Howl ] 
We Define the Future
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