Emelyn Ortiz is currently in the process of graduating and transferring to Cal Lutheran, being a first-generation college student. She was born and raised in Oxnard, California. She has an older brother, and she lives with her mom and grandparents. She loves to help people and getting involved. Emelyn feels that she is a person who never gives up, “I’ve been through so much, I have gone through many obstacles in life but I never lose that hope that things will get better.” Drinking coffee and listening to music is something she enjoys immensely.
She describes herself as:
- Ambitious
- Hardworking
- Caring
- Determined
- Funny
- Friendly
- Outgoing
Read on to learn more about this soon to be Regal!
Her Campus Cal Lutheran: How does it feel knowing that you’re transferring in the fall?
Emelyn Ortiz: I’m really excited! It’s the next chapter in my life that I’m definitely ready for. I know there’s going to be struggles coming my way but I know that I’m well prepared for them. This has been my dream, to be the first to go to college and finish off strong. I am pretty nervous because I feel like I will be lost and confused at first, but I know that I will be able to get the help I need at Cal Lutheran. They have offered me so much help since I started community college. I am glad that I got accepted.
HCCLU: Why CLU?
EO: I was given many options of schools to go but I think Cal Lutheran benefits me the most. It’s close to home and I want to be around my family, but I also want to focus on school and I can focus on school and I can still work around my area. I visited the campus last year, I went to Spring Formal with my best friend and I got a glimpse of what it was like to be at the school. It felt like home right away, not like the other schools. I also chose this school because I have friends that go here who have given me an insight to what it’s like. The school provided me with a lot of offers that others haven’t.
HCCLU: What’s your major?
EO: Psychology because I felt like right away there was something about it that kept me wanting to continue learning about it. I started off by taking a class in psychology while in high school and I never lost interest since. I knew since then that this would end up being my major.
HCCLU: What are you most excited for?
EO: To meet new people. I want to join clubs so I can get involved within the school. I hope to get a job on campus as well since I will be commuting. I’m also excited to meet the professors, I hope to bond and get to know them. I know that they will teach me so much that I can use later on in life whether it be teaching it to friends, family, or strangers.
HCCLU: What are you most scared or nervous for?
EO: That I will be facing a lot of obstacles that I won’t be prepared for, but I know I’ll have to be ready for it either way. I hope I do not receive a bad grade to start off my first semester here. I’m scared of losing myself throughout the process of being in school because in community college I focused so much on school and I never prioritized my time.
HCCLU: Do you have any clubs/organizations or sports that you’re thinking of joining?
EO: I learned about the Psychology Club at Admitted Students Day. I came across another psych major and she told me about the club and I got really interested, so I hope to get further information from them. I am going to apply to the SSS program, I want to get involved and be able to get help. Sports wise, I have been interested in doing swimming and diving again even though I’ve been distant from sports since high school, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it until school starts because of time management and such.
HCCLU: What does being first-generation mean to you?
EO: Being first-generation student means a lot to me because I am giving an example to my family. It is quite amazing to experience, even though it comes with a lot of responsibilities, time-managing, and other challenging issues. I am profoundly grateful that I am pursuing a career for myself and being able to show my family and friends what my college experience has been like.
HCCLU: Who inspires you the most in life?
EO: My mom and aunt inspire me the most. Both of these women have showed me what I’m capable of and always remind me to never give up, especially when I’m losing hope and things get difficult. Seeing them struggle but still getting through it and accomplishing their goals has influenced me into becoming a strong independent woman. HCCLU: What do you plan to do with your degree?
EO: Striving for my masters and eventually my Doctorate. I want to give therapy sessions to people who have a mental disorder and help them get better. I know a lot of people don’t like to speak up to how they’re feeling and I hope to one day be able to help them. To get them in a better place and state of mind.