In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Salvador Gutierrez, a dance major whose journey at The Beach is filled with both rhythm and brotherhood.

Sal shares how his passion for hip-hop grew from joining his high school dance team into dreams of performing in bigger settings. At CSULB, he continues expanding his choreography and the community he has found within the dance department.

Sal also serves as President of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Inc., where he has built lifelong connections and helped strengthen the brotherhood within his chapter.

Sal also reflects on leaving community college during the pandemic, returning with a renewed sense of purpose, and eventually transferring to CSULB.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Erin Hayashida, a graphic design major who's found creativity, cultural connection, and the courage to put herself out there.

Through her campus job in Student Affairs Communications and Marketing, Erin has created designs seen across campus, including the popular “Lil' Elbee” stickers and SOAR merchandise worn by thousands of incoming students every year. Her experience has helped her acquire graphic design internships as she prepares to finish her academic career.

Erin has also found community through the Nikkei Student Union, where she helps celebrate Japanese American experiences and traditions. As a taiko drummer, she teaches aspiring younger performers.

As she prepares to graduate, Erin reflects on the spontaneous moments, lasting friendships, and creative opportunities that made her college experience so meaningful.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Ashlynn Chavez, a pre-illustration major and marketing minor who combines creativity and leadership to find new opportunities on campus.

As President of the American Marketing Association and a Student Assistant for Student Affairs Communications and Marketing, Ashlynn has learned how art, strategy, and storytelling can work together.

Ashlynn reflects on studying art and building friendships while studying abroad in Florance last summer. Back on campus, she helps students discover new resources through social media marketing.

From professional development to concerts and campus events, Ashlynn advocates for the idea that you get out what you put in, and new connections or opportunities can be made when engaging with what's around you.