Transferring to become president

50th anniversary student spotlight: Vanessa Chicaiza

By California State University, Bakersfield

September 14^th, 2020

For some transfer students, the thought of coming to California State University, Bakersfield during their junior year can be intimidating.

But, for transfer student Vanessa Chicaiza, a student in the master’s of public administration (MPA) program and current Associated Students, Incorporated (ASI) president, the story had a much different ending.

“No matter who you are, you can go into CSUB, and there’s opportunities for everyone, and I think that’s really important,” said Chicaiza.

She might not have necessarily had her sights on CSUB, but after moving to Bakersfield from Orange County, it made sense and happened organically.

“I wasn’t involved previously in anything, but when I got to CSUB, I realized it was my chance to really start a new chapter,” she said.

The transition was “tremendously difficult,” she recalls, as she not only moved to a new city, but her mother had also recently passed away.

It was hard, being so far from home and losing her mother, who she considered her rock, but Chicaiza wanted to make the best of the situation.

“I knew I had to keep going, so I slowly started putting myself out there,” said Chicaiza. “The transition ultimately was very difficult, but I think the opportunities at CSUB made it a little easier.”

“Growing” has been a central theme in her CSUB experience.

“I was able to grow so much at CSUB because of the community and the fact that everyone is there, I think, to help each other grow,” said Chicaiza.

Chicaiza takes pride in being a transfer student and has a heart for other students like herself.

“I know that sometimes there is stigma about community colleges. I loved having the opportunity to meet other transfer students and help them through the process of adjusting to a four-year university,” she said.

Chicaiza first joined a sorority, then became involved with Phi Sigma Sigma, and didn’t stop there.

She started volunteering at the CSUB Food Pantry, where she met someone who mentioned something called ASI. She wanted to get involved with student government, so that’s exactly what she did, where she became director of transfer students.

“It really showed me that there was a spot for me there,” she said. “I think the biggest thing that I tried to get across to transfer students was really put yourselves out there and take advantage of the opportunities here at CSUB, because opportunities are endless.”

She hopes that she’s impacted transfer students by showing them it’s never too late to get involved and they can still have a real college experience, if that’s something desired.

While her time as current ASI president hasn’t been long, she said that the “opportunity for growth” continues to be an ongoing theme.

“It’s really going to help me grow as a leader,” she said. “It’s truly all because of CSUB that I’ve had these opportunities, so I’m forever grateful.”

Since taking over as president, she has experienced the constant change of the world and campus community with issues that have presented themselves, including COVID-19 and social justice movements.

“I’ve been really lucky to have a team that are equally as passionate to serve the students,” said Chicaiza. “Although it’s been an experience, to say the least, it’s been an opportunity for us to show how passionate we are to serve our students.”

Chicaiza graduated in May with her bachelor’s degree in public administration and was named not only Outstanding Student in Public Administration, but also Outstanding Undergraduate in the School of Business and Public Administration.

“I feel like that major is the best route for me to take when it comes to what my future goals are,” Chicaiza said.

She was a legislative intern scholar through the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute and was placed in the Office of Assemblyman Rudy Salas for the spring 2020 semester.

It was during that time that she was able to help answer the questions of community members, talk to constituents and attend workshops on topics including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and a roundtable discussion regarding homelessness.

After graduation, she wants to work for the government at the city or county level – somewhere where she can interact with her community. As a motivated person who seeks out opportunities, she sees herself moving up the government ladder, as well.

“My mom was such a big part of my life and such a role model for me, that’s why I really relate to her a lot,” she said.

Her mother worked for Los Angeles County for 20 years, starting as a social worker and worked her way up the ladder.

Chicaiza as a toddler, pictured with her mother at the beach

“Aside from helping the community, being involved in my community, what draws me to government work is that there’s room for personal growth, career growth. When you enter, it’s really up to you how far you want to go.”

As CSUB celebrates 50 years, Chicaiza is excited to do her part as ASI president and current student – to celebrate all that CSUB has done and all of its students.

She also believes it’s a great opportunity to bring everyone together, especially right now with all going on in the world and will allow the campus community to reflect.