As I plan for graduation day and the capstone festival it is a bittersweet feeling that

overcomes me. I am grateful for the entire CSUMB community that has fostered my growth not

only as a student but as a person, I haven’t loved every class or every minute but it sure was a

fun ride. It is important to note where I started, barely 18 wide eyed thinking my passion was the

criminal justice lense of sociological thinking to where I am now. A tired eyed but happy 21 year

old that is excited to use the lessons she learned to find her next adventure. Through love and

loss I learned that the population I want to work with is the older generation educating and

assisting them on a healthy aging blueprint that supports their individuality and their voice as

they age. Although none of my coursework focused on geriatric care I believe the skills I learned

in college can be translated into the workplace, and used if I eventually go for a masters. Some of

my favorite classes were SOC 333, Crime and Deviance because it was eye opening to the social

constructs that hold everyone in line and the manipulation of cultural norms to regulate a society.

Another favorite class of mine was Tattoos, MakeUp and Burkas, which helped me access a

alternate perspective on body alterations than I was raised to understand. Overall the courses

have been enlightening into my own everyday life and they help me view the world through

different lenses and backgrounds. I believe I have become a more empathetic person through this

program. I doubt anyone will actually take the time to read this, but if anyone did, thank you.

CSUMB and this department definitely still have many weaknesses but there are also many

positives in both of them. But at the end of the day I am grateful for my time here, the friends

I’ve made, all the mistakes I made along the way, and I am hopeful towards my future.