2025 PSD Kinesiology: Benjamin Alarcon
Benjamin started at Cypress College because his sister wanted to attend at the same time as he did. Once he applied, registered, and began classes, however, his sister told him she was backing out. Benjamin had already started and, with his spirit of dedication and completion that fuels his life, he decided to stay.
He found he enjoyed Kinesiology, and was inspired by instructor Sergio Cutrona and head athletic trainer Scott Tucker. Benjamin says they were the most impactful and the most helpful during his time at Cypress, saying, “They not only taught with passion but inspired me to double down in my choice in Kinesiology.”
Now a student in a bachelor’s program at Cal State Fullerton, Benjamin says he looks forward to starting on his career path and helping people.
“Empowering others to grow, heal, and thrive — through strength, connection, and virtuous living. It is who I want to be, and who I will be. I want to be great, but I want to bring people with me. It is great being the best you can be, but you know what is better? Helping and witnessing someone else be the best they can be.”
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I grew up in Downey for most of my childhood. I like playing Pokemon, from the Nintendo DS games to the card game; I’m a huge Pokemon nerd. I also love hiking, running, weightlifting, and playing pick-up games with friends.
My story is nothing special, probably heard some variant of it elsewhere. Single mother raised me with the intention of doing what needs to be done now to do what you want to do later.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
Empowering others to grow, heal, and thrive — through strength, connection, and virtuous living. It is who I want to be, and who I will be. I want to be great, but I want to bring people with me. It is great being the best you can be, but you know what is better? Helping and witnessing someone else be the best they can be.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
Funny story, my sister was the person who got me in. She wanted to attend college with me at the same time, but as soon as I applied and took classes, she told me she wasn’t going through with it. So, I just continued.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
I wasn’t really involved with much, I kind of kept to myself and did what I needed to do and left. My path unfolded like a three-page brochure: short, sweet, and to the point
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
I did like the friends I made during my classes. Those guys are awesome, and I always liked seeing them.
Who are the faculty and staff (in your major, an academic or other support program, etc.) who have helped you get where you are today?
Professor Sergio Cutrona and head athletic trainer Scott Tucker. Those guys were the most impactful and the most helpful. They not only taught with passion but inspired me to double down in my choice in Kinesiology.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
Besides academically and socially, the free lunches and career fair events were crucial to my growth. The free lunches were a huge money saver for someone like me, needing to work to pay off many bills (home, care, phone) while attending school. As for the career fairs, it was great to make connections but also see what I could become if I decided to commit to my academic career.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
currently attend Cal State Fullerton, and I will continue until I get my bachelors in Kinesiology. Then I hope to get a job in that career path that pays more than my minimum wage job now.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
want to get a PhD in anything, but hopefully something related to my field now. Because being formally called “doctor” has a nice ring to it.
What are you most proud of
guess making it this far. I don’t really see achievements that I’ve done, I more see a checklist of things slowly getting marked off. I’ve been trying to get better about that, because I learned it is good to recognize and celebrate your own achievements.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students? Meet people and make connections. Money is cool and all but meeting people and making connections is the real money. They can help you get a job, or through a tough time. Moral of the story, connections is the gold you should be looking for.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
Sergio Cutrona and Scott Tucker, they were the most influential and most impactful in my time at Cypress College, give them a gold star sticker!