This week’s campus celebrity is Magali Espinoza-Cruz. Magali is a 4th year Microbiology student at Cal State LA who is also working on a minor in French. She holds a position at ASI as the Campus Affairs Representative at Large. A Los Angeles native, Magali aspires to become a physician in the U.S. Navy where she can combine her passion for science and medicine with her desire for travel and worldly experience.
Quirky Factoid: “I love to sing, but I’m a horrible singer. I’ve been told that I am very monotone, but I love karaoke.”
When I last spoke to you during Spring Quarter 2014, I believe you were taking 4 upper division science classes at once; Physics, Organic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry Lab, Microbial Genetics, as well as an honors course in Global Warming and Climate Change. What impossible class combinations are you taking this quarter?
Yea, Spring was busy. This quarter I’m taking Biochemistry, French 300A, Biometrics, and Psychology 150.
Tell us about why you joined ASI? What does your position entail; the day-to-day activities?
Prior to joining ASI, I was just coming on campus for classes and to study, then I would go home. I wanted to break out of that self-centered mentality and become more involved and connected to the campus. I also wanted to have a hand in campus events and that’s how I came to join ASI. My position has me representing all the different clubs and organizations on campus. I’m a conduit between the University and the student body congregated in those clubs/organizations. I provide them with information and funding. I also represent the undeclared majors and have office hours 3 times a week for about an hour or so. Clubs and orgs have an opportunity to voice their concerns or events directly to ASI by coming to the UCCO meetings. UCCO stand for the University Council for Clubs and Organizations. This is one way that I can connect with the clubs and orgs and campus.
Do you work closely with the senior officials of ASI? What can you tell us about the intricacies of student government?
Yes, I definitely work closely with them. Everyone in ASI gets along and that connection provides support for all of us. Our president, Shane Vera, supports all our ideas. I also work closely with the Vice President of External Affairs, Sasha Perez. One of our goals in ASI is transparency. We want to get information out there for students regarding what events are going to be taking place and we want to give clubs and organizations a chance to table. We want to have transparency for funding options. But overall we want there to be transparency between students and the University.
Where can we expect to see you around campus? Any particular events you’ll be promoting? How can students reach you if they have questions/want to help?
I can usually be reached by email; asica@calstatela.edu. I also hold office hours Tuesday and Wednesday from 11:00-12:00, as well as Friday 11:00-12:00 in the ASI office; just ask for me at the front desk. Typically, I migrate from the La Kretz building to the ASI office in the Student Union. You’ll probably see me running back and forth from those two places this year.
Are you involved in any other clubs/sororities this quarter?
No. ASI is the only organization that I dedicate my time to outside my class studies and research. This way I can focus more time for my position and creating events and I won’t get burned out dividing my free time among many different affiliations.
Do you have a job outside of school?
No, I consider my position at ASI and my research my job right now.
Are you living in the Dorms this quarter or off-campus/with parents?
I’m in the dorms. It’s convenient.
What is your favorite place to eat on/off campus when you have the time to actually sit down and enjoy a meal?
I love Noodle World! I get their pad thai.
Would you consider studying abroad and/or applying to schools across the country for your M.D.? If yes, where and why?
Yes, especially since my minor is in French. I’d like to do a study abroad program in France, but it may not be possible since next year is my last year, and I’ll be busy applying to medical school. Maybe in the summer. For medical school I’m looking into applying to the East coast schools; it would definitely broaden my perspective. I was actually in New York this past summer for an internship and it was a huge culture shock. You think you have an idea of what a place may be like, but until you actually leave and go there, you won’t truly understand it.
This Fall is filled with the return of some amazing TV series with their new seasons. Looking forward to watching any? *ahemTheWalkingDeadahem* *coughcoughBigBangTheorycoughcough*
Well, haha! I’ve really wanted to watch “How to Get Away With Murder” but I think it’s already premiered and I’ve fallen behind. Also I’m a huge fan of “Game of Thrones” since the beginning, so I’m excited to watch that again.
What do you do to de-stress in the midst of all these classes and campus involvement?
I run. Exercising but primarily running is a great way to de-stress. I run in the mornings when there is no traffic. It’s quiet so you have time to yourself. Running keeps me sane!
Any words of wisdom you have for those fresh out of high school and planning to major in Microbiology and/or go towards the same career path that you’re on now?
Definitely know how to organize your time. Be prepared to make some sacrifices, but in the long run it will be worth it. Time management skills are essential as well as studying in advance. But also enjoy your time in college and get involved. And have a hobby to help de-stress, like running!