Categories
Legal Studies Political Science Spanish

Ayxa Agraz ’26

Axya Agraz

Growing up in the disadvantaged and marginalized community of Nyeland Acres in Ventura County, I never saw women, let alone women of color, represented in the legal field. The lack of representation in my community left a profound impact on me and made me aware of the systemic barriers and biases that hinder minorities from pursuing their dreams. With a deep commitment to social justice and a desire to utilize the law as a tool for positive change, political science provides me with the necessary tools and perspectives to pursue a career dedicated to advancing justice and equality.

Categories
Business Administration

Elizabeth Arias ’25

Elizabeth Arias

Many people work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry to help bring projects to life, and I can see myself being one of those individuals. I am drawn to the business side of it. I thrive when working with others, and I am very much a people person. I have developed excellent public speaking skills during my time here at Cal Lutheran, which I believe will be beneficial in an industry that requires collaboration.

Categories
Computer Science

Josh McCall ’22

Josh McCall

The comprehensive coursework in Python and Java programming languages significantly contributed to building my cybersecurity expertise. Engaging in practical coding projects and hands-on applications of coding principles within the curriculum fostered my problem-solving skills. Moreover, the guidance and mentorship from faculty members well-versed in these programming languages and cybersecurity were pivotal in preparing me for the challenges inherent in my current role.

Categories
Art Chemistry

Sophie Cochiolo ’23

Sophie Cochiolo

The greatest resources at Cal Lutheran were my professors and the research opportunities. The research opportunities they offer are amazing and accessible, it is so easy to get hands-on research if you want it, and the professors are so willing and flexible to work with your schedule to include you.

Categories
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Public Health Undergraduate

Nasharli Abeygunawardene ’25

Nasharli Abeygunawardene

I chose this major because I love both biology and chemistry, and biochemistry is the perfect middle ground between them. If you love chemistry and biology, I definitely recommend the major as it is a surefire way to develop your knowledge in all of the sciences and math.

Categories
English Ethnic and Race Studies Gender and Women's Studies Spanish Undergraduate

Laura Flores Arambula ’25

Laura Flores Arambula

I have always been passionate about approaching English with a social justice lens. In high school, I was fascinated with learning about untold stories of minorities while I invested myself in literature that connected with my experiences as a first-generation Latina woman. I found novels like I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez and so many others that pushed me toward majors such as English and Ethnic Studies.

Categories
Financial Planning Mathematics Undergraduate

Sophia Saiki ’24

Sophia Saiki

I chose my major because I always felt it was my strongest subject growing up and I enjoyed it the most. I would only recommend going into mathematics if someone enjoys the subject already. I interned at a financial planning company in Hawaii for the past two summers, which helped me decide what I wanted to do and get a foot in the door pretty early in my college career.

Categories
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Davis Sharts ’23

Davis Sharts

If a student wants to learn about more than just the cell and its structures, and truly understand the big picture, this major is the one for them. I have been able to learn more about the chemical processes that dictate our lives, and how important they are. Through my classroom experiences and research experience with Dr. Michael Abdelsayed, including his belief in me as a potential graduate student, I have developed a passion for going further into the life sciences.

Categories
Business Administration French Sports Management

Abby Blom ’26

Abby Blom

The most life changing part of my experience here at California Lutheran University has been the leadership roles that I have been able to take on. I have the ability to be a part of so many different parts of our campus community. I am learning and growing as a leader, future professional, and person every day because of it. My future career will require me to be able to juggle many different disciplines and departments and my time at Cal Lutheran is preparing me for that. 

Categories
Ethnic and Race Studies Global Studies Spanish

Gicela Medina ’20

Gicela Medina

As a junior at Cal Lutheran, I was taking a class in Hispanic Literature, when my professor at the time, Dr. Rafaela Fiore, recognized the potential of my work and encouraged me to present my research in an academic conference. In the remainder of my time at Cal Lutheran, (the Spanish faculty) worked with me and motivated me to continue my research on Afro-Latin literature. That has now become the topic of my PhD dissertation.