Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
As a first-generation Latina, Marilyn Monroy ’22, a CSUSB alumna and current graduate student, was inspired by her family to pursue higher education to do what has always come naturally to her – help others. Despite the obstacles she encountered along the way, one of Monroy’s biggest hurdles to overcome was a mental roadblock.
“I did deal with imposter syndrome during my first year in the master's program, but through that I learned that I deserve to be where I'm at,” she said. “And it was a constant reminder that although there may be challenges during my master's program, I am definitely on the right path.”
At an early age, Monroy’s mother instilled in her the importance of education.
“I give thanks to my mother because she immigrated from El Salvador at 16 years old, fully speaking Spanish,” said Monroy. “She's always emphasized education. … I still remember attending Boys & Girls Club and getting tutoring support because she was unable to help me out with that. Over the years, especially being the oldest in my family, education has been key in our future.”
Monroy understood the sacrifices her mother made to provide a better life for her family. This motivated Monroy to achieve her educational goals, help her four siblings on their academic journeys and take advantage of opportunities along the way. The guidance Monroy provided her siblings and the positive impact it had on their lives led her to pursue a career in counseling.
“I ended up changing my career because I didn't realize that the impact I made on my siblings when it comes to education (was) like a counseling role for me, and I used that experience, as guiding my siblings into higher education, and realized that is the path that I wanted to do,” she said.
In 2020, Monroy transferred to CSUSB from Riverside City College (RCC) when she was pregnant with her second child. Like many students, Monroy’s journey to Cal State San Bernardino began virtually at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. During her first semester, Monroy’s professors were understanding and accommodating, which helped her stay on track with her classes. She went on to complete her bachelor’s degree in sociology entirely online.
As an undergraduate, Monroy wanted to get involved on campus and took advantage of the virtual resources that were available to students, such as the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which provides support services to historically disadvantaged students. At RCC, Monroy participated in Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS), the community college counterpart to California State University’s EOP, which provided academic support, a guided pathway, and educational supplies to students.
When Monroy transferred to CSUSB, she transitioned into EOP. For Monroy, “That hand off from RCC to CSUSB has been a smooth transition,” she said.
Monroy, who spent time in the foster care system, took advantage of the resources in the EOP Renaissance Scholars Program, which provides specialized student support services to current and former foster youth. In the program, Monroy was able to interact with students with similar backgrounds and connect with counselors. She credits EOP for helping her graduate on time and earn her bachelor’s degree at CSUSB in two years.
When Monroy was ready to apply to graduate school, CSUSB played an instrumental role in providing her the information she needed to take the next step. She attended free workshops hosted by the university’s Student Assistance in Learning and counseling programs to learn about the application process and what to expect in graduate school.
“A lot of people don't realize that there's a lot of help on campus, and these workshops are here to benefit you, to help you out with certain questions you may be afraid to ask,” said Monroy.
Although Monroy is a busy mom of two boys, ages 3 and 7, she has made it a priority to get involved on campus and find community. For Monroy, her family motivates her to achieve her goals, and the “Eternal Learning” mural outside of the James R. Watson and Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education, featuring two little boys, reinforces her drive to succeed.
“It reminds me of (my sons) every time I walk to class and that I'm doing this for my children,” said Monroy. “It's a constant reminder that I'm doing it for them, and this is for our future.”
This led her to become a peer mentor, which has provided her the opportunity to connect with her peers, learn about the resources and services at CSUSB, and find a sense of belonging. Monroy took the initiative to create a resource center for the Student Mentoring Program to ensure other students are aware of all that CSUSB has to offer.
The university has become a second home for Monroy, as she continues to utilize the many services and resources regularly as a graduate student. For example, Monroy stops by the affinity centers between classes to grab a coffee or meet with friends, visits the Obershaw DEN to access free food and diapers, and drops by Cody’s Closet in the Career Center to get free professional attire.
Additionally, Monroy has been able to apply her CSUSB education in the community through internships, where she gains hands-on experience and explores different career pathways. With the internships, Monroy is able to make meaningful differences in the lives of underserved students and foster youth.
For two semesters, Monroy was an intern at an elementary school in the Corona-Norco Unified School District, as well as at the district’s Parent Center working under the foster youth liaison. During the internship, she led a field trip with 34 students from the district to CSUSB, where they learned about the university’s EOP Renaissance Scholars Program, California Student Opportunity and Access Program, and First Star Academy.
Monroy is currently interning at a high school in Riverside’s Alvord Unified School District, and next semester, she will return to RCC to intern for EOPS.
Monroy’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience and the transformative impact of a CSUSB education. Her active engagement in campus resources highlights the importance of community and connection in achieving academic success.
Monroy’s commitment to helping others has driven her to pursue a career in counseling, where she can continue to have a positive impact in students’ lives. Through internships and hands-on experiences, she is not only gaining valuable skills but also paying it forward to support others on their educational journeys.
