Leadership, Pageants, and Paying It Forward with Jada O’connor

Resilience, Community, and Finding Your Way with Rudy Hernandez

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Rudy Hernandez, a social work student whose journey at The Beach is a powerful story of resilience, growth, and the importance of community. Rudy shares what it was like arriving at CSULB at just 17, navigating college as a former foster youth without a strong support system, and facing early challenges that made the transition anything but easy. From struggling academically and personally in their first year to nearly losing momentum, Rudy reflects on what it means to fail and, more importantly, how to come back from it. Drawing from earlier experiences with failure, Rudy developed the resilience needed to try again, adjust, and move forward with intention. Through connecting with the Guardian Scholars program and building a sense of community on campus, they found the support that made success possible. Now thriving in the social work program and preparing for fieldwork, Rudy is focused on giving back, working toward a future supporting transitional-aged youth navigating systems similar to the ones they experienced. Their message to students is simple but powerful: start with one question, find your people, and don’t try to do it alone. Rudy’s story is a reminder that setbacks don’t define you; what you do next does.

Leadership, Pageants, and Paying It Forward with Jada O’connor

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Jada O’connor, a fourth-year accounting student whose journey at The Beach is defined by confidence, community, and purpose. Jada shares how her role in outreach and school relations allows her to help prospective students see themselves at CSULB and successfully navigate the transition to college. Through her involvement on campus, including leadership in the Black Business Students Association and participation in mentorship programs, she has built a strong foundation rooted in connection and giving back. The conversation also dives into Jada’s unexpected journey into pageantry, where she recently earned the title of Miss Southern California. What began as a spontaneous decision quickly became a transformative experience, allowing her to share her story, highlight her passions, and redefine what leadership and representation can look like. Jada reflects on the importance of authenticity, reminding students that it’s okay to stumble, take risks, and try something new. Whether it’s pursuing opportunities, finding resources, or stepping outside your comfort zone, she emphasizes that students already have access to the tools they need to succeed. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection; it’s about purpose, impact, and lifting others up along the way.

Purpose, Persistence, and Graduate School with Fatima Rosas Huerta

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Fatima Rosas Huerta, a graduate student whose journey through higher education is grounded in purpose, advocacy, and resilience. Originally from Puebla, Mexico, and raised in El Monte, Fatima shares her experience as a first-generation college student navigating higher education without a clear roadmap. From choosing UC Santa Cruz based on what felt most accessible, to discovering her passion for supporting undocumented and underrepresented students, her path has been shaped by both determination and community. Now pursuing a master’s degree in Student Development in Higher Education at CSULB, Fatima reflects on why continuing her education was a meaningful and intentional choice, both to expand her career opportunities and to create lasting impact. Through her work at the Dream Success Center, she supports students by building community, connecting them to resources, and creating space for important conversations during uncertain times. Fatima’s story highlights the importance of representation, mentorship, and access, and reminds students that while the path may not always be clear, it is always possible. Her journey shows that education is something no one can take away, and that investing in yourself can open doors for both you and your community.

Godzilla, Growth, and Connections with Leo Lopez

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Leo Lopez, a kinesiology major whose journey at The Beach is all about growth, connection, and embracing every part of who you are. Leo shares how he came to CSULB unsure of his path, initially studying economics before discovering his passion for kinesiology and a future in physical therapy. Alongside his academic journey, he’s built a strong sense of community on campus through SOAR, multiple student organizations, and is now serving as a teaching assistant in anatomy labs. Outside the classroom, Leo brings a completely different creative energy; he’s an artist with a deep passion for drawing, especially his long-time love of Godzilla. What started as an interest at a young age has grown into a meaningful creative outlet that continues to shape how he sees storytelling, design, and even emotion. Leo also reflects on pushing himself out of his comfort zone, going from being more introverted to actively seeking out leadership roles, friendships, and opportunities to help other students. Through orientation, clubs, and mentorship, he’s built connections across campus and found a true sense of belonging. His story is a reminder that growth happens when you take that first step and that sometimes, the things you love are part of what makes your journey unique.

First-Gen Dreams, Finding Confidence, and Finishing Strong with Ana Carpio Monterroso

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Ana Carpio Monterroso, a first-generation student whose journey to The Beach is rooted in resilience, discovery, and purpose. Originally from Guatemala, Ana shares how she came to the United States and didn’t initially believe that a four-year university, or even a career in education, was within reach. After starting at community college, a pivotal moment helped her realize that her dream of becoming a teacher was possible. That realization led her to CSULB, her dream school, where she is now completing her degree and teaching credential. Ana reflects on her early experience at The Beach, where she struggled with loneliness and imposter syndrome, unsure if she truly belonged. But everything changed when she began showing up to events, resource centers, and student organizations. Through that step, she built community, gained confidence, and became deeply involved across campus, serving in multiple leadership roles and supporting other students along the way. Now preparing for graduation, Ana is not only stepping into her future as an educator but also paving the way for her family and community. From guiding her younger sister toward college to planning for graduate school, Ana’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you take that first step. Her journey shows that growth begins the moment you decide to show up.