Guadalupe June Dohner-Chavez
Class Level
Senior
Degree Objective
B.A.
Major/Department
Sociology
Hometown
Patterson, CA
Biography
Having grown up in a small town, I quickly learned that I had to stay focused and do my best in school so that I would have the opportunity to attend a university. I ran into a few obstacles on my journey to CSU Stanislaus, but I am lucky to have a supportive and loving family that reminded me to keep my eyes on the goal and to not give up. My parents did not have the opportunity to attend college, so they made sure to push my older sister and me towards higher education so that we would be able to provide a better life for ourselves and our families. This will be my fourth year at CSU Stanislaus, where I have had the privilege to work as a University Ambassador and promote our beautiful and invigorating university. I have also worked with Village residents at the Housing and Residential Life office helping to plan and organize events for campus residents. I am currently pursuing my degree in Sociology and am working towards either attending law school or attending graduate school for a Masters in Public Administration.
Why did you choose CSU Stanislaus?
Luckily, having a sister who is five years older than me gave me the opportunity to have early exposure to college life. She too attends CSU Stanislaus and I was able to tag along with her a few days out of the year while I was still in high school and go to class and work with her. I was shocked to find that her class sizes were so much smaller than mine were in high school. I quickly became comfortable with the small campus feel of CSU Stanislaus. Being able to stay close to home was also important to me and my family. I am able to commute to school and save money on rent, food, and extra bills, which helps make school more affordable. CSU Stanislaus is a very beautiful campus with park-like sections and beautifully designed ponds, so it’s never hard to find a peaceful place to relax.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
Explore your options. I visited at least 12 campuses before making a decision. And I don’t mean do research on-line and Google search pictures. Schedule a campus tour during the school year, visit your major department, visit large and small universities, and ask lots of questions! If you are able to do so, include your family and make them a part of your discovery since they are just as nervous and excited as you are.
Learn how to manage your time early. Finding a balance between school, family, friends, and your job can be tough, but the more practice you have the easier it will be when you get to college. I would recommend using a planner to help you prioritize tasks and keep you organized. And don’t be afraid to use color coding to help you remember important deadlines.
Make sure you are on-track with the classes you are taking. Meet with your high school counselor and tell them you want to take classes that are college-bound. And don’t be afraid to meet with a counselor at the university level because they can help you plan towards attending that particular college. It’s never too early to start!
What has been your favorite academic or student life experience so far?
Working on campus has been a great experience for me. I have had the opportunity to work with really great students that come from different backgrounds and locations. Many of these co-workers quickly became friends and a select few have become family. I have learned job-related skills, have become more confident in my work, and have made great connections within the university. Working on campus also allowed me to have a flexible work schedule and I am able to take extra time off during finals or when I need to study for a test or meet up with a group. Other employers off campus may not be as flexible so don’t forget to check for jobs on campus first.
What is your career objective?
I hope to continue on to Law School to earn my Juris Doctorate degree. I would like to be a positive advocate for education and fight for a better educational experience for all students beginning with pre-school through the university level.
Why did you choose to attend graduate school?
If I can’t enter law school after graduating, I will pursue my Master’s Degree in Public Administration. It’s never a bad idea to have a back-up plan and you’ll have more degrees and experience under your belt.
What clubs, sports, and activities have you participated in?
I have served as President of Hunger Network for two years. This club is focused on helping meet the needs of the homeless community in the Turlock area. We have an annual canned food drive, we have clothing drives, and we have various fund-raising events. We also do multiple feedings at the local shelter. I have learned so much from the homeless community and they have given me a different perspective on poverty and what we can do to help.
Who is your most influential personal and/or University mentor?
Although I have had many University mentors, I would have to say that my most consistent mentor has been my sister. She has helped me on my journey from day one. Whenever I need advice or run into a problem, she is the first person I go to. Having a close friend, professor, or sibling is an important asset when you run into a rut and need advice from an experienced person. Not everyone is able to have an older sibling close at hand, so get in touch with a professor in your department or a classmate.
E-mail Address
n/a
