2023 Awardees
Zayreth Guardado
Major: Early Childhood Studies & Pre-Nursing
“Prior to my junior year of high school, I had somewhat of an idea of what university I had wanted to go to, but never for certain on what I really wanted to do. Being a first generation student has shown me how to handle such great responsibility and patience, especially coming from a family of 10 being the first one to actually attend college in hopes of finishing and obtaining a higher education & degree. When it came down to the middle of my senior year, and I had to choose which college to go to, I had instantly thought of CSU Channel Islands. It not only had the major I wanted to exceed in, but it seemed like a place that had so many opportunities and resources that genuinely help students.
My counselor/mentor eventually ended up showing me a tour of this campus, one Saturday, and when I
saw this campus I adored every single part of it. Not to exaggerate, but the scenery of Cal State Channel
Islands is really one of the many things the school has to admire. My parents were also with me, and out
of the many schools that they had gone to see with me, this is the one school they had set their eyes on.
Once I chose Channel Islands, I applied to many scholarships the school had to offer, that's when I had applied for the President's Scholars program.When I had gotten the call that I was going to be scheduled for an interview, I was beyond excited and
very nervous, and even though I had not won anything yet it still felt like such a great opportunity to be part of such an existing organization/program. But when I got the phone call that my application was a success and that I was going to be one of the President's Scholars, I was beyond words. I remember telling my mom and her crying tears of joy, because one of our main issues was how I was going to pay for school.The President Scholars program not only helped financially, but I was warmly acknowledged by a nice
group of people who were there for unconditional support and who just really want to see me succeed. I
am excited to see what this year brings, to be part of such an amazing program and to be a dolphin and
be part of a pod at Cal State Channel Islands!"
Soren Jacobson
Major: Pre-Nursing
"I was nervous about applying to universities. I was looking for a school near the coast with an amazing nursing program. One day, my counselor mentioned that she went to CSU Channel Islands and loved it, and she had the best college experience ever. That piqued my interest, so I began to check out the school and the programs they offered. I eventually committed to the school without seeing it in person.
Once I visited the campus, I was blown away. The school looked so beautiful. I like how it is tucked away from the large city. Also, I like how accessible it is to the major cities. It is the perfect balance. Eventually, I had to apply for scholarships and went onto the Channel Islands scholarship page. I applied for multiple scholarships.
Soon, I received an email about an interview meeting regarding the CSUCI President’s Scholar Award. I happily agreed and was extremely nervous and excited. Within two weeks, I received a call saying I was selected as a recipient of the CSUCI President’s Scholars Award. I was thrilled and honored to be chosen for such an amazing scholarship. The members who awarded me this scholarship were friendly, personable, and committed to helping me reach my educational goals. After meeting multiple faculty and staff, it is evident that they want every student to succeed at achieving a higher education degree. So, I am happy to call CSU Channel Islands my home for the next four years. Go Dolphins!!"
2022 Awardees
Adelynn Piper
Major: Health Sciences, Minor: Political Science
"Looking at where I am now, it is completely unbelievable that I almost overlooked CSU Channel Islands. Coming from Northern California, I had not heard of CSUCI until it came time to apply for colleges. However, when I first stepped foot on campus during fall break of my senior year, I knew CSUCI was the right fit for me. No other University felt like home quite like CSUCI did.
When it came time to apply for scholarships through CSUCI, I still had not fully committed to the school. I was nervous about moving so far away from home, but when I received the call telling me that I had been selected as a presidential scholar, I knew I had made the right choice.
It is such an honor to be chosen as a President's Scholar at the school that is so much more than college. CSUCI offers more than 80 clubs and organizations, providing a niche for every student, and with so many opportunities for academic support, it is obvious that CSUCI wants to see students succeed.
I am so excited to be one of the few President's Scholars coming from Northern California. I hope to bring state-wide recognition to a school that already means so much to me, after just two weeks of classes. I cannot wait to see our dolphin community grow, and for the opportunities that await."
Martha Maldonado-Arias
Major: Nursing
"Being a first generation college student comes with a lot of responsibilities, particularly when you are the eldest among seven children. When it came to deciding which college I wanted to attend, I took into consideration the student-to-teacher ratio. This is because I learn better when I am able to have a small number of students and I’m able to ask questions to my professors. CSUCI not only had my major, but had the resources needed for me to be successful in my education. Although the University itself may be smaller compared to other college campuses, I believe that it builds a stronger community of people. A community that is able to unify when disasters occur such as the Santa Rosa fires and the Borderline Bar and Grill shooting.
I have always wanted to be a nursing major in college ever since I was little and visited my mother in the hospital who had given birth to my brother. I loved how much care the nurses provided to their patients and knew that I wanted to do the same. CSUCI is known for their amazing nursing program, and a majority of the students are health science or pre-nursing students. During my time here I have noticed that everyone here helps each other out in achieving success. Moreover, CSUCI is surrounded by fields which is something that I liked since my parents are immigrant farm workers. I like being able to gaze out through the bus window and be reminded of why I am pursuing higher education.
When I first received the phone call that I was chosen to be a President Scholar, I was in disbelief. I could not fathom the idea that I had been chosen among thousands of applicants to have the honor of representing the school in such a sophisticated way. Before deciding to apply to college, I had my own doubts if I would be able to handle my own personal responsibilities while being a full time college student. However, with that one phone call, all of my insecurities
and worries vanished as I knew I was capable. As a President’s Scholar, I hope to bring goodness to the University and open doors to others who, like me, are the first in their family to attend college."