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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Ian Fernandez, a film major and the creative mind behind many of the Student Affairs Instagram reels.

Ian shares how his passion for storytelling started at a young age and evolved into creating engaging, funny, and sometimes chaotic social media content for campus. From scripting and filming to editing and collaborating with a team, he gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make content that actually stops the scroll.

The conversation also dives into Ian’s perspective on creativity in the age of AI. While many students are turning to AI tools, Ian intentionally avoids using them in his creative process, believing that real storytelling comes from human emotion, lived experience, and originality. For him, creativity isn’t something you outsource; it’s something you develop.

Ian also reflects on how getting involved on campus, through a student job and creative opportunities, has shaped his college experience and helped him find his path in film and content creation.

From social media to storytelling, Ian’s episode is all about staying authentic, taking creative risks, and building something that feels real.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with political science major Andre Achacon to talk about advocacy, public service, and taking intentional risks.

Andre shares how he jumped into Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) during his first year at The Beach and quickly found his passion for student advocacy. That passion led him to the prestigious Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program, where he spent a semester preparing at Cal State Monterey Bay before heading to Washington, D.C., to intern in Congress.

While in D.C., Andre worked directly in a congressional office, answering constituent calls, contributing to communications strategy, producing video content, and navigating the realities of a federal government shutdown. The experience, which he describes as the most transformative of his college career, helped him discover his interest in political and public communications.

Now serving as a communications intern for Congressman Robert Garcia, Andre reflects on how every risk he’s taken, from moving away from home to putting himself in uncomfortable environments, has shaped his path.

His advice for new students is simple but powerful: show up, take strategic risks, and reflect on what you learn along the way.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Monet Jenkins, a Business Marketing major whose journey to belonging at The Beach is filled with intention, resilience, and a whole lot of pink.

Monet opens up about originally wanting to attend an HBCU and arriving at CSULB unsure if she had made the right choice. After experiencing loneliness during her first weeks on campus, she made a powerful decision: if Long Beach wasn’t going to be her HBCU, she would create the experience she wanted for herself. From joining Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, to serving in the Black Student Union, working with the Black Scholars Program, and building meaningful mentorship connections across campus, Monet truly made The Beach her own.

She shares advice for new students navigating fear and uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and taking small steps, like simply sitting next to someone in class. Monet also reflects on the power of community, mentorship, and school pride (including her love for the Beach Shops bookstore).

Monet’s story is a reminder that belonging matters and home is something you build.

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with Mikey Sato, an international student from Tokyo, Japan, whose journey to The Beach is anything but ordinary.

Before arriving at CSULB as a Business Information Systems major, Mikey was a nationally ranked equestrian champion in Japan. He shares what it was like competing at the highest level, the discipline and partnership required in the sport, and the powerful lesson in humility he learned at just 17 years old. From caring for his retired horse to navigating the pressures of competition, Mikey reflects on how responsibility, resilience, and self-awareness shaped who he is today.

Mikey also opens up about coming to Long Beach to start fresh and why that blank slate helped him grow. He discusses landing a job with Bloomberg through a unique bilingual career forum and how CSULB’s Bloomberg Terminal program, supported by Beach Shops, helped prepare him for his future career.

From championships in Japan to building confidence at The Beach, Mikey’s story is about growth, humility, and embracing new beginnings.