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.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Izzy Wright, a music education major whose experience is shaped by perseverance and cultural representation.

After transferring to CSULB and earning a place in its competitive music program, Izzy faced imposter syndrome as the only Black student majoring in choral education.

Izzy also opens up about experiencing bullying, gaining the courage to report it, and finding support from campus resources. As a resident assistant, Izzy is now able to draw from those experiences to remind students that they deserve to be heard.

Izzy's story is a powerful example that sometimes being the representation means helping to create a better path for those who come after you.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Mionna Gray, a communication studies major whose experience at The Beach highlights the power of friendship, relocation, and trying new things.

After moving from Chicago to Long Beach during the pandemic, Mionna had to rebuild her community in an unfamiliar place. By participating in activities and becoming a SOAR leader, she gradually stepped outside her shell and developed the confidence to connect with new people on campus.

Mionna also shares how a friend encouraged her to join the Filipino American Coalition, despite not being Filipino herself. The welcoming community led her to participate in Filipino Cultural Night, allowing her to discover how cultural clubs can create space for learning and connections.

Mionna encourages students to join at least one club to truly put yourself out there. Her story shows that finding your people may take trial and error, but every conversation can bring you closer to where you hope to be.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Z’nya Spears, a molecular cell biology and physiology major who has found numerous ways to stay involved on campus.

Z’nya shares how her passion for science prepares her for a future as a physician assistant. As Co-founder and President of the Black Health Professions Organization, she helps build a supportive community that strives to create a more representative healthcare field.

Outside the classroom, Z’nya expresses herself through dance as a member of the Long Beach Honeys. She also celebrates Black excellence through the Black Scholars newsletter, sharing student achievements to readers.

Through leadership, creativity, and the guidance of meaningful mentors, Z’nya has built a college experience centered on community and purpose.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BLACK SCHOLARS PROGRAM:
https://www.csulb.edu/student-affairs/black-scholars

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Sebastian Rosano Alvarado, a criminology major whose journey at The Beach is defined by resilience, advocacy, and a strong connection with his community.

After transferring from community college, Sebastian arrived at CSULB expecting to attend class and head home. In just one year, he's become a student assistant at the Latine Resource Center, a Dream Success Center volunteer, an ASI Senator-at-Large, and President of the Latinx Student Union.

Sebastian also shares how losing his father inspired his passion for justice and his desire to provide answers to families who have been left without them.

Through mentorship, campus involvement, and resources such as the Dream Success Center and Student Health Services, Sebastian has found support, opportunity, and a true sense of belonging here at The Beach.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen speaks with Abigail Catalan, a Cinematic Arts major whose journey at The Beach comes with courage, utilizing resources, and embracing new opportunities.

Abigail shares how taking a chance led her to become a SOAR leader, where she has discovered valuable campus resources and helped new students begin their own journeys at CSULB. Although she has sometimes doubted whether she has enough experience, Abigail continues to overcome the uncertainty that comes with trying new things.

Outside of SOAR, Abigail channels her creativity through filmmaking, acting, singing, and dance. From singing with CSULB’s Bel Canto choir to creating short films, she is passionate about expressing her creativity for others to enjoy.

Abigail also discusses the importance of stepping beyond familiar experiences, using campus resources, and finding affordable ways while navigating an academic life. Her story is a reminder that feeling intimidated is natural, but the only way to discover where an opportunity might lead is to take a chance and believe in yourself.