Dreams turned into reality at CSUB Antelope Valley

50th Anniversary student spotlight: Morgan Griffin

By California State University, Bakersfield

October 2^nd, 2020

Morgan Griffin was living in New York – Yonkers, New York, to be exact. But, one visit to California in 2015 changed everything. She decided to take a leap of faith to move to the west coast.

“During my visit to California, I was met with unconditional love and support. Puzzle pieces of my life had started to find each other. I made the decision to move out here and it saved my life,” said Morgan Griffin, alumna of California State University, Bakersfield Antelope Valley.

She had family in California that she had been separated from for most of her life. At the time, she was in need of a stable and supportive environment in order to keep reaching towards her full potential and see her dreams come to fruition.

That’s exactly what she did.

She added, “Moving here to California was one of the best decisions I have made in my 32 years on this planet.”

“When I talk about my life to some people, they tell me that my life sounds like a movie. I was determined to make changes to move forward with my goals and dreams,” Griffin explained.

After moving to California, Griffin decided on CSUB Antelope Valley, because it was close and affordable. She had only heard and read good things about the university.

Since beginning her college journey, Griffin had always known that she wanted to study, and eventually work in, the field of psychology. She believes that she could be an asset to the mental health field and make a difference in peoples’ lives.

“In New York, I always chose psychology. I was ecstatic that almost all my credits transferred over to CSUB AV from the colleges that I attended in NY. I have always had such an affinity to Psychology,” said Griffin. “People fascinate me. Life has granted me with insight through various experiences, which I am thankful for. I have the ability to connect with a wide array of individuals from different backgrounds and ages.”

However, in the midst of the excitement of a move and working towards her dreams, there were a few personal hurdles she had to overcome.

“The transition to California from New York was tough, yet amazing. I have family and loved ones in New York that I miss terribly, but when I can travel to visit again, I will. My family here is absolutely incredible,” she said.

When she moved to California, she had not seen her brother and family on her mother’s side for a very long time. She hadn’t seen her brother in 18 years and she hadn’t seen her mother in 21 years.

“Meeting family that I have never met and uncovering years of information that I was unaware of was overwhelming at times,” Griffin added.

She also lost people who were close to her and found it hard to grieve while focusing on her studies and trying to survive, but she overcame.

“Despite all the mountains that have been put in my path, I never backed down, and I will continue to move mountains if I must,” Griffin said.

During her time at CSUB Antelope Valley, she was asked by Dr. Allison Evans to be part of the Heroic Ambassador’s Program in 2018.

Those involved were trained in three lessons: Growth Mindset, Bias Reduction, and Bystander Intervention.

“We worked on integrating the lessons and practices into our everyday experiences in the classroom in an effort to support student success,” said Griffin.

In 2019 she presented alongside Dr. Philip Zimbardo, Dr. Allison Evans, and Dr. Anne Duran at the Western Psychological Association (WPA) in Pasadena.

“I worked with Dr. Anne Duran and another student on our presentation at the WPA in 2019; alongside Dr. Evans, Dr. Phil Zimbardo, Gerry Hanley (former CSU Associate Vice Chancellor), as well as faculty from business, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, and amazing students and faculty,” said Griffin.

“I am grateful that I met Dr. Allison Evans, she took the time to notice my light and my potential. She quickly became my mentor and I accepted every opportunity that was presented to me. Dr. Evans has become a confidant and I am thrilled to still be working with her,” said Griffin.

She enjoyed every class she took with Dr. Evans, especially Small Group Dynamics, which she believes that every college student should take or one that is similar. She found that it was eye-opening and very beneficial, as you are able to examine your own communication styles and your ability to communicate effectively with others.

“I found I was able to strengthen all of my skills, even sharpen one that I did not realize I had already been using for most of my life, ‘active listening’ When you are determined to survive certain situations, it is necessary to use skills such as these,” Griffin added.

“Ms. Griffin is an exceptional student, teaching assistant, and researcher. Morgan is dependable, empathic, knowledgeable, and patient. She was very helpful in her role as a teaching assistant. She was a student who could be relied on to give her best in all her endeavors. She has been a valuable asset to the psychology department. She worked effectively with the diverse student body at the Antelope Valley campus. She went above and beyond the expectations for a teaching assistant,” said Dr. Evans, associate professor of psychology.

Griffin said her overall experience at CSUB Antelope Valley has been an incredible one.

“The students, the faculty, and the staff are all great and supportive. I absolutely loved being a teaching assistant for Dr. Evans for three semesters in her small group dynamics class. Working, learning, and connecting with the students were some of my favorite moments,” she said.

“Morgan is in the top 5% of my students that I have had over my 21 years of teaching at CSU Bakersfield,” added Dr. Evans.

Since graduating, Griffin has been working with Dr. Evans on their upcoming presentation for the WPA next month, although it will be virtual this time around due to COVID-19 restrictions.

She and Dr. Evans were approved for two presentations in spring 2020 that were postponed. They will be participating in the upcoming conference in October, along with Dr. Janet Millar, MA, LMFT, in the CSUB Counseling Center, and Ellie Jacques of The Heroic Imagination Project.

The WPA presentation is entitled, “Heroism Education in the California State University: Utilizing the Heroic Skillset to Foster Student Success.”

Griffin’s portion of the presentation is called “Implementing the Heroic Skillset to Support Student Success: The Heroic Imagination Project at CSUB,” and she will discuss the utilization of the social-psychological principles endorsed by The Heroic Imagination Project (Zimbardo, 2006) and interpreting the heroic skillset.

“We are creating tools to support students on their journey to success. Heroism education will assist students in enhancing skills necessary to conquer educational, psychological, and emotional obstacles. By sharing my own experiences, I will be providing a more applicable framework for other students as they identify as the hero in their own educational journeys,” Griffin added.

The second presentation will be at the CSU Symposium on Teaching and Learning.

Griffin is also currently in the process of finding a job. Due to all of the changes enforced by COVID-19 it has been a challenge, but she is staying vigilant through it all.

“I plan on furthering my education and going on to attaining my MSW. The passion and fire that I have will never burn out, no matter the obstacles. I am eternally appreciative of CSUB and the experiences it has allowed.”

As the 50th anniversary celebration continues, Griffin added that it is a “great honor to be part of the CSUB legacy and story.”

“I have always hoped that by sharing my story and connecting with people, that I am able to make a difference in the lives of some.”

“My soul is slowly finding peace and happiness. Going to a new school was a little overwhelming, but the warm environment that CSUB Antelope Valley has, set the stage for a smooth transition. I found love here in California and my support system has grown; I am eternally thankful,” said Griffin