2025 Visual and Performing Arts PSD: Fernando Lizarraga
If you had looked for Fernando in high school, you would have found him underneath a tree, sketching images or playing guitar. He says he has gotten lost in making art, and based on all his involvement in the VAPA Division, it’s believable.
Fernando recalls his favorite experiences at Cypress as the ones where he used his gifts and talents: Seeing his artwork displayed at the student art shows, helping the Theatre Arts program with live music, and playing guitar for the Music Department’s open mic nights. In addition, he fondly remembers building community for students through clubs and different activities that he helped create.
He was involved in Associated Students; co-founded the Art Visionaries Club and served as VP and treasurer; became the treasurer of the Japanese Culture Club; was Chair of Finance of the Inner Club Council; and President of the Japanese Culture Club. He assisted with the “Invisible Features” art show and helped create “The Ricochet Art Shows,” assisting with the graffiti wall, the advertisement, and setting up the International Cultural Festival.
“Cypress College helped mold and shaped me to be the man I am today. From having great, passionate, amazing professors who truly care for their students, too having a lot of great resources that helped me with my journey. The fact that I have been able to meet so many great speakers and develop connections from those that were invited to come to our campus to meet and speak with the students. I now gained more knowledge and understanding of the industry that I am trying to get into.”
Please tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I was born in Riverside but I grew up mostly in Whittier and I currently live in Pico Rivera. I have many interests. If anything, I have way too many interests. I love making art, playing guitar, taking pictures, cooking Italian and Asian foods, and learning about other people’s cultures. I also consider myself a geek; I love “Lord of the Rings”/”The Hobbit,” Dungeons and Dragons, comic books, manga, video games, and anime. All my life I have always wanted to be an artist. Ever since I saw the Disney movie “Treasure Planet.” That is the movie that created my determination and drive to make my dreams come true in being an artist. All through elementary, middle, and high school I was that kid with a large sketch pad sitting underneath a tree just drawing. If I had a dollar for every time I have pulled all-nighters making drawings and paintings because I get so lost in it and forget about time, I would have a million dollars right now in the bank.
When Covid happened, I started watching anime. I fell in love instantly, after watching my first Studio Ghibli film and playing my first Final Fantasy video game, and began to fall in love with Japanese culture. That is when I knew I wanted to move and live in Japan and be a part of those projects.
What are you most passionate about? Why?
Like I mentioned earlier, I have many interests. If I had to choose one, then it’ll have to be art. I chose art not because it is probably the one thing I think I am good at and worked really hard at, but it is an extension of who I am and it is a representation of my entire life story. Everyone does something that allows them to escape or reduce stress. That was art for me literally my entire life. I have been making art since I was 5 years old. Ever since then, I have known that is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I really want to be a part of great films and video games and say that I helped make them.
Why did you choose Cypress College?
I chose Cypress College because I wanted to make a name for myself, and I heard how great a school Cypress is from my counselor in high school. I wanted to discover who I am as a man and as a person. I knew if I had gone to Rio Hondo or Cerritos I probably wouldn’t have because almost everyone in my high school was going to go there and I wanted no distractions. Plus, my only best friend from high school that time was going to attend so it made my choice so much easier.
What have you been involved in at Cypress College? How has your path unfolded?
I have been involved in many things at Cypress. I started my first two years in Associated Students (2016-2018). Then when I was in the music program, I was recommended by my professor Marcus McMillan to play for the school drama “Sordid Lives” that semester (spring 2020). That is when I met professor Jenny McMillan. She gave me my first professional gig when I was playing music. Unfortunately, Covid struck and the show was cancelled.
I received a call back from Jenny McMillan again asking if I was interested in playing live music for “The Laramie Project” (spring 2022). I am so glad to have been able to experience that. Later my friends and I decided to create an art club because there hadn’t been one for years, so my friends Daisie, Craig, Joe and I co-founded the Art Visionaries Club aka AVC (spring of 2023). I was essentially VP of the club and the treasurer. I later added two more positions, I became the treasurer of the Japanese Culture Club and I was the Chair of Finance of the Inner Club Council (all three positions fall 2023 – spring 2024).
I am currently the Club President of the Japanese Culture Club and the Vice Chair of the Inner Club Council (fall 2024 – Now). I was also involved with aiding the “Invisible Features” art show and helping create “The Ricochet Art Shows.” I helped with creating the graffiti wall, the advertisement and setting up the International Cultural Festival (fall of 2024).
I am currently a student worker at Cypress. I work in the Student Life and Leadership building and I work in the basic needs department. Although being heavily involved, full-time student, two or three jobs, and going to church has its toll. The connections I have made and the people that I have met allowed me to be able to reach my goals.
Share a memorable event or experience while you’ve been a Cypress College student.
Some of my most memorable experiences at Cypress were being able to use my gifts and talents at school. Seeing my artwork being displayed at the student art shows, being able to help the theater department with live music. Playing guitar for the open mic nights for the music department. And being able to provide community for students with clubs and different activities that I was able to help create.
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?
If I am being honest almost every professor and faculty staff that I have had and met all played a role and had helped me. But there are those that have the absolute most for me. I am truly grateful to have met many professors and staff such as: Marcus McMillan, Jenny McMillan, Arya Vasudevan, Ed Giardina, Janet Owen Driggs, and Alanna Carnahan (VAPA), Justin Perkins, Michael Brydges, and Daniel Linds (Social Science), Keith Vescial, Ruth Gutierrez and Alyssa Garmin (English), Karen Le Cornet and Samanta de Frutos Garcia, and Natsuyo Higuchi (Foreign Language), Joey Quenga, Emily Ibara, Vanila Suliafu, and Dr. Jeannie Mitsch (APIDA), Renay Laguana Ferinac (APIDA/Counselor) and Alan Reza (EOPS/Counselor), Dave Okawa, Jay Shonkwiler, and Dani Morgan (SL&L), Vivian Kim (International), and Louis Krebs (Automotive). Also a special shout-out to the two Deans that have helped support me through the club and my pathway Dr. Janet Vera (Language Arts) and Dr. Kellori Dower (VAPA). I can not forget about the amazing Terada Mihoko-Luther, my Japanese professor for being extremely supportive and aiding me with learning the language, helping me fulfill my dreams, and going above and beyond for me with everything that I need to succeed.
But the one above all who helped me with essentially everything and who showed and helped me find my path, I have the honor and liberty to not only call him my mentor but a great friend as well, my art professor Donivan Howard. He helped and convinced me to change my major and pursue art once again. Because before I met him I had given up on that dream and for him to encourage me not to. Ever since I first met him I had picked up my dream again and continued moving forward. If it wasn’t for him I would not have met and connected with great artists such as Deon Nucklos, Layron DeJarnette, Ben Davis, Jon Davis, Mark Page, Thomas Blackshear, and Ron Leslie. Everyone that I have mentioned has made my Cypress College experience an experience. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement, support, and motivation. I hope one day I can make you all proud because my success will be your success as well.
How has Cypress College supported you throughout your time at the college?
Cypress College helped mold and shaped me to be the man I am today. From having great, passionate, amazing professors who truly care for their students, too having a lot of great resources that helped me with my journey. The fact that I have been able to meet so many great speakers and develop connections from those that were invited to come to our campus to meet and speak with the students. I now gained more knowledge and understanding of the industry that I am trying to get into.
What are your immediate plans after completing your studies at Cypress College (at your transfer institution, in the workforce, etc.)?
After I graduate this semester, I’ll be working on my art portfolio for my dream school so I can try and get the maximum scholarship. The school I am trying to get into is called “Art Center” and they are located in Pasadena. While I am working on my art portfolio with my mentor, I’ll be working two jobs so I can save money for schooling. Also, I’ll be taking Japanese classes so I can get better and try to master the language.
What are your long-term goals? What do you aspire to?
My dream job is to live in Japan to work for Studio Ghibli and/or Square Enix. I want to be a professional background and concept artist and help make animated films and/or video games. I hope one day I get to see my name on the big screen at the end credits of a film or after I beat a video game. I want to be able inspire others to pursue their dreams, especially kids and those in the Latin and Hispanic community.
What are you most proud of?
It’s hard to say what I am proud of without sounding boastful. But if I am honest the thing that I am most proud of is being able to manage two to three jobs while being involved with all of the extracurricular activities and being a full-time student, while making time to do my art and maintain good grades. I have made a lot of sacrifices and handled my business to be able to succeed. Now I am graduating as the presidential scholar for VAPA and being the first Lizarraga in my family to graduate college. All of this is probably the thing I am most proud of.
What bit of advice would you give to current and future Cypress College students?
One of the main characters from my favorite Disney movie of all time, “Treasure Planet,” says, “You give up a few things chasing a dream.” Ever since the time I first saw that movie, that quote has stuck with me till this day. My advice to current and future college students is do whatever it takes to fulfill your dreams even if it means sacrificing many things. Every time I feel like quitting or giving up, I always ask myself, “How badly do I want to make my dreams come true?”
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I would love to thank my family, especially my father, Fernando II, grandfather Fernando I/ ChiChi, and my aunt Vanessa for being the biggest supporters and fans. I would love to thank all my friends from school (I.C.C/ J.C.C/ A.V.C/ International) and church (AWE International) and my pastors (George and Aaron). I would love to thank my professors and faculty who helped me. Lastly, I would love to thank Mihoko Sensei and Professor Donivan for being my mentors and helping me fulfill my dreams. Without them, I would not be here today, one step closer to achieving and making my dreams come true.
Thank you, Cypress College, for developing me and making me the man I am today and for helping me make my dreams come true.
“七転び八起き” – Nana Korobi ya oki – fall seven times stand up eight
Philipians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Never give up, strive to be the best, and never forget or give up on your dream.