CSUB an ‘unforgettable experience’ for international student

Allan "AJ" Manalili graduating this month with bachelor’s in criminal justice

By California State University, Bakersfield

December 6^th, 2024

Allan “AJ” Manalili was familiar with the California State University, Bakersfield campus before becoming a student.

He would often ride his bike through CSUB as a shortcut from his residence to The Marketplace, where he worked at Edwards Cinemas. Over time, as he got to know the campus, Manalili began envisioning himself being a CSUB student and studying law.

“I envied all the students when I would see them,” he said. “I would tell myself, ‘One day, I will be a student here. One day, I’m going to receive my diploma here,’ and now it’s really happening.”

Manalili transferred to CSUB last fall after earning three associate degrees from Bakersfield College. After only one year at the university, he is now set to graduate this month with his bachelor’s in criminal justice.

“It’s surreal and surprising that I’m graduating already. I’m just shocked, in a way, but happy as well,” he said.

While he is graduating, Manalili won’t be leaving CSUB just yet. He will be pursuing his master’s in public administration next spring. After that, he plans to attend law school and become a lawyer.

“I have bold dreams. I want to make it big in the real world,” he said. “I want to help other people. I want to fight for them, to be their voice.”

Manalili was born in the Philippines and lived there until 2014, when he moved to the U.S. at age 15. He began developing an interest in law and law enforcement after being exposed to American TV series such as “CSI” and “Law and Order.” He enjoyed seeing how lawyers would handle their cases.

“I thought ‘this is really exciting. I want to do that,’” he said.

Although Manalili was excited about the prospect of college, he wasn’t sure how he would pay for it. While he immigrated to the U.S. on a legal visa, Manalili didn’t have legal status as a U.S. resident.

He was ultimately able to attend college by applying for and receiving a nonresident tuition exemption from the state, which allowed him to avoid paying high nonresident tuition fees and helped him qualify for financial aid.

As part of the exemption’s requirements, Manalili had to have both his high school diploma or equivalent as well as an associate degree to be able to attend a university. He enrolled at Bakersfield College in fall 2022 while simultaneously finishing up the requirements to receive his high school diploma.

Manalili was determined to take full advantage of the opportunity he was given to receive higher education. He dove into his schoolwork and within just one year not only had his diploma but also three associate degrees in liberal studies, journalism and administration of justice.

“I really love school so much. I practically live at school,” he said.

It was challenging at first getting used to how education worked in another country, Manalili said. Although he was fluent in English by the time he started college, he didn’t know much about how to use computers and other technology. That took some time for him to learn.

“Everything is faster here than in the Philippines,’ he said. “It pushed me to the limit, but the interaction with the students was great. There’s a lot of diversity here. I appreciate being in a country where everyone is welcome.”

‘A ball of light and joy’

College was a form of escape for Manalili. When not at school, he was working low-paying and physically demanding jobs, such as being a dishwasher. Even while he was at work, Manalili would manage to squeeze in some study time during his breaks. It also wasn’t uncommon for him to stay up until 3 or 4 a.m. doing schoolwork after coming home from a work shift.

“School was my motivation, my goal,” he said. “It taught me how to be responsible, that I had to elevate myself and get out from that situation.”

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Dr. Doris Hall, Manalili’s faculty adviser, recognized him for his commitment to his studies.

“Allan Manalili is one of the most tenacious students I know,” she said. ‘Despite the adversity he has faced, he is incredibly kind and full of hope. I have no doubt he will achieve his goals.”

Criminal Justice Lecturer Jessica Garcia said she is frequently inspired by the positive attitude Manalili brings to her classes. No matter what challenges he faced, she said he always maintained a positive outlook.

“He is a ball of light and joy. He is helpful and considerate to his fellow classmates. He is spontaneously honest in every moment, which is a rare attribute in most humans,” she said. “He puts his heart and soul into his assignments. He is a human that will achieve great things because of the kindness and dedication he carries in his heart!”

In addition to his academics, Manalili also found time to get involved with several clubs at CSUB. He is a member of the K-Pop With You, Geology and Native and Indigenous Student Coalition clubs.

“It’s really fun and exciting, especially when we’re doing events on campus,” he said. “There’s so much right here on campus that makes it an unforgettable experience. Everything here is worthwhile.”

While he’s only been at CSUB for a year, Manalili said the university has already had a major impact on him. He said he’s grateful for the experience he’s had at CSUB so far and is excited about staying for his master’s program.