Anabel Leal
Year Graduated
June 2010
Degree and Major
B.S. & B.A., Dual major in Business Administration (Accounting concentration) and Spanish
Hometown
Coachella Valley, CA
Biography
I was born in Mexico, and raised in Southern California. My parents are farm workers, and as a young girl, I recall working alongside my parents and older brothers. I graduated from Coachella Valley High School as an honor student, and decided to continue my education at California State University, Stanislaus. I’m graduating from Stan State with honors, and look forward to working with PwC.
Why did you choose CSU Stanislaus?
After long studying nights and awesome weekends in the Central Valley, I still remember being confused about finding the right university. As my high school graduation arrived, this question became more and more crucial. In fact, I followed up with different schools with the registration process because I didn’t know which school to choose.
The Alliance for Minority Participation (AMP) program at CSU Stanislaus, however, changed my life and made my decision definite. I attended the AMP program and lived on campus the summer before my freshman year. During this time, I fell in love with the small campus. I grew up in a very small town, and Stanislaus provided me with the comfort of studying in a place where I knew I was going to meet my peers and professors at a personal level.
On top of that, I was an eager teen trying to “discover myself.” Thus, the small campus size and the opportunity to grow were the most influential factors in choosing Stanislaus.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
Don‘t build a comfort zone! Many people are successful in stepping out of their comfort zone but before they know it, they have another “comfort zone.” Be careful. Don’t fall in this trap! Stepping out of your comfort zone (and staying away from comfort zones) will open gigantic opportunities. In addition, be curious! Go out there to network, be exposed to what is out there, and gain insights into your future career.
What has been your favorite academic or student life experience so far?
My favorite experience as a Stanislaus student has been having the opportunity to intern over the summer in Washington, D.C. Thanks to my Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) advisor and to the professors who believed in me, I spent my summer in DC visiting the US Capitol, walking past The White House everyday, and attending conferences. This internship gave me lifelong friends from all over the US! It also gave me insights into my future career as an accountant.
What is your career objective?
I would like to obtain a master’s degree and become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Also, I accepted a job offer from PricewaterhouseCoopers in April ’10, one of the big four accounting firms, and I will work there upon graduation. I am very excited, and eager to take advantage of the many opportunities that PwC is offering me!
What clubs, sports, and activities have you participated in?
I am a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma, and Phi Lambda Rho. I am also president for Chicanos Unidos for Academic Achievement (C.U.A.A), treasurer for M.E.Ch.A, and member of the Interlatinos club.
During my early years at CSU Stanislaus, I helped Hunger Network a couple of times by working in their crop field and assisted M.E.Ch.A. with a couple of fundraising events. I have served as captain of a soccer team in intramurals, and I also work on campus. I was also member of Club Los Hijos del Campo. Another enjoyable activity as a student was attending a three-day national conference in Denver, Colorado, along with my internship in Washington, D.C.!
Who is your most influential personal and/or University mentor?
There have definitely being a lot people who have greatly influenced my life, especially my family.
Sarah Martinez...who knows where would I be without her advice and “nalgadas;” she knew me as a freshman, when I didn’t know what was a syllabus was for, and she is still helping me in shaping my professional life. Aside from knowing her academically, I have come to know her as a friend.
Salomon Espitia...a mentor and a great resource for both my academic and professional concerns. Regardless of the issue, he always has handy advice to offer!
Mary Jane Cullum, Cathy Bellani, Raul Alcala, Professor Johnson, Professor Murrieta, Professor Sanborn and Professor Firch have also helped me in my academic and professional pursuits. Many more people to name, but the message is: people at CSU Stanislaus will provide you a hand when you most need it!
