Success Stories

graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations. While at CSUF, she was inducted into two different honor societies, Kappy Tau Alpha and Golden Key. Robyn is the first Guardian Scholar to graduate Magna Cum Laude. In addition to her many accomplishments, she was selected as the Class of 2006 commencement speaker for the College of Communications.

graduates with a bachelor's degree in human services. While at Cal State Fullerton Melissa was the founding member of Rotaract, an on campus Rotary Service Club and the Guardian Scholars Student Advisory Board. Her community services include peer mentoring with the Orangewood Children's Foundation and she was chairman of the Orange County chapter of California Youth Connection where she assisted current foster youth through legislative advocacy. She has participated in several statewide training projects addressing the need for assisting foster youth once they age out of the system. Melissa hopes to pursue her master's degree in social work. She would like to continue working in the foster youth population in order to give back and make positive change for the future.

graduates with dual degrees in English and women's studies. After years of hard work at Riverside Community College, Danielle's dream of a college degree came true when she transferred to Cal State Fullerton as a Guardian Scholar. Danielle has served in numerous leadership positions while at CSUF. As the Vice President for the Women's Studies Student Association, Danielle was instrumental in organizing events that encouraged student activism such as Arm Wrestle A Feminist, Confessions of Women From East L.A., the Elevator Insurgency, Take Back the Night and the Clothes Line Project. In addition to her on-campus work, Danielle also served as a peer mentor for the Orangewood Children's Foundation and the CSUF Freshman Programs. Danielle made the Dean's list every semester while attending CSUF. She is interested in eventually teaching at a community college to further the greatness of the education she received at Cal State Fullerton.

graduates with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She grew up in the small town of Barstow, California and Deserea recalls that the most difficult challenge she faces was the transition into college. One of her fondest memories while at Cal State Fullerton was developing her digital story in Berkeley. After graduation, she plans to work at a local company in human resources. Deserea's long term goal is to pursue a master's degree in counseling where she hopes to help others as a marriage and family therapist.

graduates with a degree in communications with an emphasis in sports broadcasting. LaTangia feels that Cal State Fullerton has shown her a new way of living, it has provided a way out of the negativity of the inner city. Being a Guardian Scholar has opened new opportunities she would not have been able to have. LaTangia's greatest achievements will be graduating from Cal State Fullerton as a Guardian Scholar and the founding member of ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC. While at CSUF, LaTangia used her athleticism and leadership skills as member of the track and field team for over two years. She is grateful to everyone who has provided her support throughout her education but she is most thankful for the Guardian Scholars and her great aunt in believing in her. After graduation, LaTangia plans to jump start her career with the management team at Hertz.

graduates with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. As a transfer student from Northern California, Monique struggled to find a place that would provide her the support she needed to succeed in college. She found her new home in Fullerton with the Guardian Scholars Program where she has taken on numerous leadership positions. Her desire to help others led her to give back to current foster youth through her work as a peer mentor for the Independent Living Program. Monique's fondest memory was participating in the Digital Stories workshop in Berkeley. Monique plans to work in the banking industry after graduation.

graduates with dual bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and human services. Gina came to Cal State Fullerton as a transfer student from Long Beach City College. While at Cal State Fullerton, Gina was active in the Human Services Group Leadership Program where she served in the capacity of group leader in the Character and Conflict course. Gina's passion for giving back opened the door for her involvement with the Peer Mentoring Program at Orangewood Children's Foundation. In addition, she assisted current and former foster youth in the Peer Health Network where she provided case management services for youth in crisis. In December of 2005, Ms. Vong received the prestigious John R. Wooden Spirit of Giving Award recognition for her contribution as an outstanding volunteer. In 2008, Gina graduated with a Masters Degree in Social Work at USC. Gina plans to utilize these opportunities to pursue her passion of working in the criminal justice system.