Angie Melgarejo: Returning to Stan State to Pursue Master’s(캘리포니아주립대학교 스타니슬라우스)California State University, Stanislaus[미국대학유학,2017유학박람회]

Angie Melgarejo: Returning to Stan State to Pursue Master’s

(캘리포니아주립대학교 스타니슬라우스)California State University, Stanislaus

At Stanislaus State, Angie Melgarejo found a second family. A first-generation college graduate, Melgarejo had to seek help from members of her campus community — a practice she pushes every student to employ — in order to find success.

“There are resources everywhere, so don’t be afraid to ask for help,” Melgarejo said. “We are a community here at Stan State. There are people here who are dedicated to helping you finish and meet your goals.”

Melgarejo describes her undergraduate studies as an uphill battle. Without anyone to show her the way, Melgarejo had to figure college out on her own, often while working three jobs, and once while recovering from a horrific car accident that almost set her back. Despite the challenges thrown at her, Melgarejo took it in stride.

“I have come to understand that there are many obstacles in life that can try to hold you back,” she said. “But if you fight, nothing can hold you down.”

“Angie is quite passionate about helping others. She has experienced some personal challenges in her own life, like having to assume some chief responsibilities for her family and surviving a major car accident which kept her out of the classroom for months last year,” said Psychology Professor Kelly Cotter. “Angie has grown from these experiences and has been inspired by them. I am constantly impressed by her passion for life, especially in the face of her competing responsibilities and some unusual life stressors.”

While working toward her bachelor’s in psychology, Melgarejo volunteered for San Joaquin Behavioral Health, where she has been offered a job post-graduation. Not yet ready to leave her Stan State family behind, however, she plans to return to campus in the fall to begin her graduate studies in education with a focus on counseling.

“I know there are a lot of people who need help and someone to be their voice because they are being stereotyped or have a prejudice against them for one reason or another,” she said. “I know that I cannot change the world, but that is not my goal. I want to help those who seek help and be there for the ones who have lost their way.”