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Written by: Guest Commentary
Diego Rendon
Diego Rendon is the president of the student body at California State University, San Bernardino.
One of the greatest Latino communities in California is found in the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire, but for many high school students in this area, college still feels like a strange realm they don’t know how to traverse.
I was raised in Desert Hot Springs and am a first-generation college student. I didn’t discuss SAT results, internships, or what my future plans were for college or beyond with my parents when I was in high school. When I was seventeen years old, I still recall being overburdened with college financial aid applications and applying to schools my senior year while working a part-time job to help pay for my education.
I knew I wanted more for my future, but I had no road plan to follow. I chose to attend CalState San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus, the only four-year public university in the Coachella Valley, in order to stay local. Everything changed with that choice.
I knew I wanted to support people from similar backgrounds to mine who were in need of direction and mentoring but were also industrious and full of potential. All things considered, college has challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and taught me how to support others while still developing myself.
My family has always been my greatest source of inspiration. My grandfather had farming roots in the Imperial Valley as early as the 1960s, and both of my parents are from Sinaloa, Mexico.
My dad, who currently works in pool construction, was born and raised in the little Californian town of Holtville. My mother was a caregiver and a stay-at-home mother. They have taught me to pursue my goals and instilled in me the importance of education. My mother used to say, “La nica herencia que te vamos a dar es la educaci n,” which means, “The only inheritance we’re going to give you is an education,” whenever I was growing up.
That has stayed with me and continues to motivate me now.
I discovered a second home after moving to the San Bernardino campus. I’ve matured beyond my wildest expectations.
In my capacity as president of the student body, I speak for my fellow CSUSB students and represent them in a variety of committees and decision-making forums. For instance, I went to Sacramento earlier this year with other students to speak out for the entire California State University system.
We told lawmakers about our experiences, difficulties, and the importance of education. We reminded them that we are genuinely invested in California’s future and that, with the correct backing, we will continue to create a state that we can call home.
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The journey to Sacramento was only one aspect of the larger scheme of things. The remainder takes place right here at CSUSB, as students continue to give it their all despite actual obstacles like food insecurity, long commutes, financial troubles, and rigorous job hours.
In addition to obtaining a degree, students hope to graduate from CSUSB stronger individuals prepared to enter the profession and pursue fulfilling employment. Too frequently, these students are overlooked while being the real backbone of our area.
I recognize myself in them. There was a period during my undergraduate career when I was working three jobs: as an orientation leader, at In-N-Out, and in student government. Although it wasn’t easy, I learned time management, resilience, and thankfulness from those experiences.
Thousands of students in the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire have similar experiences to tell; they are not only California’s future, but also its current shapers.
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No need to apply: Cal State is automatically admitting high school students with good grades
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