After seeing campus on a tour with his aunt—a 1970 sociology grad—nearly five years ago, Tyler Warren has been waiting to transfer to the HSU campus ever since. The Napa-valley native was immediately attracted to the open and accepting campus culture and set his sights on attending HSU after completing three years at a junior college.Seeking a career that is both rewarding and meaningful, Warren enrolled in HSU’s Elementary Education program. Since then he’s been able to volunteer in a local kindergarten classroom and has joined the Student California Teachers Association.To enhance his teaching career, Warren plans on becoming fluent in Spanish and hopes to go abroad to teach English after graduating in 2016. Warren also plans on earning a teaching credential at HSU.

Lexis Gillette is a junior studying Kinesiology. She chose Kinesiology because she has a passion for understanding the complexity of the human body and wants to learn more about alternative therapies. After graduating Lexis plans to further her education by entering a RN program and eventually a masters program to become a family nurse practitioner. Outside of school, Lexis loves to spend time with her daughter, cook new recipes, paddle board, skate board, and hike.

Laura Kiewel, a major in Psychology, was moved to return to school and focus on her career after witnessing her uncle complete his degree following a lay off nearly 10 years ago. Now, Kiewel is poised to enter her senior year with a near-perfect GPA as she works on earning a bachelor’s degree in the Academic Research Developmental psychology program at HSU. Kiewel supports her academics by working as both a teaching and research lab assistant while maintaining a part time job off campus. After earning her degree, Kiewel plans on attending a Ph.D. program in Human Development where she’ll research positive interventions in early child trauma.

Cianna Jermanon is a first-generation student and a sophomore studying Business Administration.She chose Business Administration because she wants to start her own small business someday. Cianna balances her time between work and school. She says HSU has helped her find herself and has made her proud of who she is. She says the best part of attending HSU is feeling like she matters.

Olivia Rink, a Humboldt County native, is a passionate individual with diverse interests, including photography, soccer, yoga, French, painting, and cooking. Olivia will study business administration with a focus on finance. She values entrepreneurialism and aims to find a career that benefits herself and her community. As a student, she enjoys midterms events and cherishes the support of receiving a scholarship, fueling her determination to succeed. Olivia's journey is characterized by her commitment to personal growth and making a positive impact in her hometown.