Friday, Feb. 13
Written by Delia Valdez, Communications Student Assistant
After reflecting on my own decision to attend Long Beach State University (LBSU), I began to wonder why other students chose this campus and how their experiences shaped their definition of success now that they’re here. Through conversations with students from different backgrounds, majors and stages in their academic journeys, one thing became clear: no two paths to LBSU look the same.
For Christy Schneider, LBSU was a deliberate choice rooted in passion and possibility. A first-year graduate student and dance major, Christy came to Long Beach with the goal of earning her master’s degree and eventually teaching dance at the university level.
Originally from Las Vegas, Christy knew she wanted to go out of state. “Vegas felt small, in general, but especially for dance,” she explains, noting that LBSU stood out for its diverse dance program and because it is one of the only universities that offers an MFA in Dance. Having family in the area and enjoying the Southern California weather made the decision even easier.
Christy weaves dance into almost every moment of her day-to-day routine, being deeply involved in the dance community. She is a member of The Honeys, a dance team at Long Beach that performs at basketball games, winter events and fundraisers. She also works as a personal trainer at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center (SWRC), specializing in HIIT and flexibility training. For her, the tight-knit dance community and constant collaboration have been the most rewarding part of campus life.
When asked how she defines success, Christy keeps it simple: “Anything that makes you feel productive and happy.”
For Roberto Ramirez, a first-year communications major, choosing LBSU was influenced by practical, reasonable and deeply personal factors. Coming from Escondido, Roberto chose Long Beach partly because of distance to stay close enough to his family and partly because he would be rooming with his best friend from high school—a win-win.
“I went into it open to the experience,” he says. “I knew whatever decision I made would be supported by myself and the people around me.”
Roberto works as a Membership Service Representative at the SRWC. Ironically, not only is this his workplace, but it’s his favorite spot to be on campus! He actually enjoys the camaraderie the job brings, the connections he’s made with his fellow Beach Family and enjoys the convenience of a quick workout after a long workday.
Some surprises came along the way—namely campus construction and the cost of rent—but Roberto views challenges as part of the learning process. His definition of success reflects that mindset: “Loving yourself. If you understand that everything can be a learning experience, you leave room for growth.”
For Mohammed Faizaan, attending LBSU was both an opportunity and a turning point in his future. As an international graduate student in computer science from Karnataka, India, Mohammed explains that many universities were financially out of reach for someone in his position.
“If I didn’t get accepted here, I wouldn’t even be in the U.S.,” he says. “I’m really glad I got accepted. I’m proud to be here.”
While the cost of living in California came as a surprise, the experience has been rewarding being very grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in the diverse community of Long Beach. Mohammed especially appreciates the weather, noting how different it is from the dry, hot climate he grew up in.
Success to Mohammed is rooted in a deeper meaning, full of inspiration and fulfilling a promise, most of us forget about.
“Success means mental peace to me, but it also means to always try and achieve whatever it is in life you dreamed of. What did you wish for as a child? That’s what you should be chasing”
Looking ahead, Mohammed holds true to that child-like wonder and hopes to secure a high-paying job in tech, with his education at LBSU being a crucial step toward that goal.
Though their backgrounds and goals differ, Christy, Roberto and Mohammed share a common thread: each arrived at LBSU through a unique set of circumstances and found meaning in the experience. Every student arrives at CSULB with a different story, shaped by choice, chance and growth.
Whether you came for the academics, the community, the opportunity or simply followed where life led you, your experience matters.
What brought you to the Beach? When did LBSU start to feel like home? We hope you’ve found a sense of belonging within your Beach Family—and if you haven’t yet, know that you’re not alone.
We’d love to hear your story. Share your experience by emailing us at ASI-Communications@csulb.edu, or DM us on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our page!
