WASC Testimonials

Erick Garcia

CSUDH Student, Business Administration, Management
Chairman, Board of Directors, Loker Student Union

I am a first generation college student. I am Hispanic (Central American) and my parents came from Guatemala. I was attracted to Dominguez Hills because of the small college feeling. I went to other school tours like UCLA and UCSB and you get that big college feeling of 100 students per class, but here we have that small college feel of only like 20-30 students per class. You get that one on one interaction with the professor. That is a plus because you get to interact with people with Ph.D's and you get to learn a lot about the field. They share there personal life with you. They open your eyes and show us the opportunities that are available out there, maybe things that we didn’t think about. That’s why I commute from Pasadena now. Before, I lived in Long Beach. It takes me hour and a half to commute now. I wouldn’t change it. A lot of people ask me if I regret going to Dominguez Hills? They asked me if I was happy that I came here? To be honest I am happy. I would not have the opportunities that I have had if I hadn’t chosen Dominguez Hills. What I like about our campus is the diversity. You get to learn a lot about other cultures in our campus. Especially, since we are such a diverse country now. I can tell you what I am doing after graduation. I am planning to go to law school. I already sent in my application so I see where I go from there. I want to be a corporate attorney, business administration. Always want to stay in the business field. I will see where I from there.

WASC Questions:

What opportunities does the expanded Loker Student Union provide for CSUDH students?

Well you know we have been talking about this on our Board of Directors and other entities in the Student Union and we have decided it provides an opportunity for students to get involved on campus. By them being involved on campus it gives them opportunity to identify with the campus as well. It gives them leadership opportunity, leads to work opportunities, places to meet, clubs and organizations to meet, and just enhance student and campus life. The biggest plus has to be leadership opportunity. There are so many things that the Student Union can do for students on campus. The Toro production and Board of Directors gives them leadership opportunities. Not only regional but national experience because the Student Union, you can get involved nation-wide. That is one of the pluses of the Student Union. Our Student Union belongs to an association (regional and national) and they let students get involved when they are in leadership roles nation-wide.

How did u get involved?

That is an interesting story. It happened freshmen year at the student orientation. I was walking with Randy Zarn. Everyone knows who Randy Zarn is. And he told me that they were thinking of expanding the Student Union and he was excited about it. He then told me I should get involved because there was a Board of Directors. I think it was because of him I got involved in the Student Union. I have to say Randy was the one that motivated me to get on the Board of Directors and I don’t regret it.

How do student activities and the enhanced student union impact learning and student retention?

Well, you know we have always believed and I have personally believed that college life is not only about academics, that is a critical part of college life. Another important part of college is the extra curricular activities that you are involved in. It gives you that well-rounded experience. Those extra curricular activities give you an opportunity to become a student leader and make a difference of our campus. Leave a footprint for the future of our campus. A lot of students that look at campuses look at academics which is an important part. Another important part is campus life, is what the college has to offer the student outside of the classroom.

So, do you think that all the extra curricular activities make it beneficial, joyful, or meaningful?

Yes, it is. Because when you get involved in your campus you get to meet other people. Your kind of service, your organization, your club or other students, and help provides a support group. If you just go on campus and don’t get involved on campus and just come and go, you don’t feel that you can identify with the campus and you feel that you don’t have support. When you get involved you find that there is a support network for you. There are other people that are in your situation and that can give you advice, and you can count on to give you advice. Not a lot of campuses offer that. That’s why our campus stands out in that way.

- Donna Cruz