2025 PSD Language Arts: Christina Guadarrama
Although her first attempts to graduate from Cypress College fell through, Christina found renewed confidence in her ability through the encouragement of counselors at outreach events. In particular, helping hands in the Puente Program gave her hope for trying again.
“’Sí, se puede’ is the motto for the Cypress Puente Program; it essentially means, ‘Yes, we can’ in Spanish,” Christina said. “This exclamation has motivated me throughout my time in Cypress. I hope it will do the same for future students.”
Christina became involved in programs beyond Puente here at Cypress, including Charger Experience and the Honors programs. She even went on to a Puente leadership conference and became a mentor for the program that helped her.
Now that she’s graduating with a degree in Psychology, she looks back and appreciates the help she received along the way, and hopes that future students can have the same positive experience.
“Cypress College has resources for all students. Many don’t take advantage of them or don’t know that they’re there. At Cypress College, there are always people here who are willing to help.”
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I was born, raised, and educated in Orange County California. I love reading books, listening to podcasts, drawing, and being with the people I love. I’m not the most focused person, but I am persistent.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
I love learning, and I consider myself a lifelong learner. I haven’t been a full-time student for a while now, mostly because I needed to work, but I still wanted to continue taking classes for my degree. I didn’t want to stop, because I want to keep learning and improving myself.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
Both Golden West College and Cypress College were equal distance from my home. But my dad had gone to and earned an associate degree from Cypress College years earlier. I wanted to follow in his footsteps. In addition, it was a good opportunity to have a fresh start.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded? •
Before classes even started, I attended an outreach function for the programs available at Cypress College. There I met Dr. Therese Mosqueda-Ponce, the counselor of the Puente Program. She recruited me into the program, helped me figure out what classes to take, and how to navigate the school system. From there, I got involved in the Charger Experience and Honors programs. Once I graduated from Puente, I attended the UC Riverside Puente Leadership Virtual Conference, became a Puente Mentor, and a Puente Peer Assistance Leader.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
Although the entirety of my time with the Puente Program was a memorable event for me, I will never forget when we went to San Diego to attend a Puente conference and saw three San Diego universities: UC San Diego, Cal-State San Diego, and a private university. The trip made me realize that there are so many resources available even after community college, and that I could find support at the university level as long as I looked for it.
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?
Most of all Dr. Therese Mosqueda-Ponce, my Puente counselor. She taught me that it was OK to ask for help. If you had a problem, she always found a way to help you. If she didn’t have the solution, she knew someone who did. She also introduced me to my Puente mentor Michael Bridges, who wrote me recommendations for scholarships. And finally, my many Cypress College professors like Adrienne Merlo, Jolina Cadilli, Penny Gabourie, Ashton Politanoff, and Alejandro Omidsalar. Professors like these motivated me to continue taking classes.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
I loved how they supported me through the Puente and Honors programs. The Charger Experience Program helped fund my general classes and kept me on the right track to get my associate degree. The campus itself has so many places you can study, like the Library. Often, I would walk around just to explore the campus and see what events were going on. After the pandemic, Cypress College started giving their students free lunch. This was when I received a free laptop as well. Finally, whenever I had a concern about my future, I would set up an appointment with a career counselor and they would help me find my way.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
I plan to keep working full-time. I do want to keep taking a class here and there, just to keep learning. Eventually, I want to finish my bachelor’s degree online.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
I would love to eventually get a masters degree after my bachelors.
What are you most proud of?
I attempted graduating from Cypress College in the past, and it fell though for multiple reasons. I’m proud of myself for trying again and not giving up.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
Ask for help. Cypress College has resources for all students. Many don’t take advantage of them or don’t know that they’re there. At Cypress College, there are always people here who are willing to help.
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
My family for being there for me and supporting me. They believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I’ll be repaying them for the rest of my life.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
“Sí, se puede” is the motto for the Cypress Puente program. It essentially means, “Yes, we can” in Spanish. This exclamation has motivated me throughout my time in Cypress. I hope it will do the same for future students.