#StanGrad: Kirsteen Gayle Cabral Chooses Creativity and Confidence

Originally from Modesto, Kirsteen Gayle Cabral began her college journey at Stanislaus State as a psychology major before realizing her true passion was in the arts and digital media. Although making the switch felt uncertain at first, she said the support she received from mentors and advisors helped her confidently pursue a future in graphic design. 
 
“One thing I learned from this experience is to do what makes you feel satisfied and fulfilled,” Cabral said. “Don’t pursue something for someone else if it doesn’t make you happy.” 
 
Cabral ultimately changed her major to creative media and thrived both inside and outside the classroom, graduating with a 3.978 GPA while developing professional experience through internships and student employment with the University’s Strategic Communications and Marketing team. 
 
As an intern and student assistant, Cabral worked closely with Graphic Designer Katie Dowling and Digital Media Specialist Victor Jimenez, mentors she said helped her gain confidence in her skills and creativity. 
 
“I learned a lot while working under their guidance,” Cabral said. “They taught me valuable things that I can take with me as I pursue my future career goals.” 
 
Dowling praised Cabral’s contributions to the MarCom team and her creative talent. 
 
“She’s an excellent communicator, illustrator and designer,” Dowling wrote. “We are excited to watch her career in creative media take off.” 
 

Cabral said one of her favorite parts of campus life was experiencing Warrior Wednesdays and seeing the wide variety of student organizations and activities that reflected the diversity of the Warrior community. 
 
“It was interesting to see what kinds of activities were being held that day and it's always nice to see different groups of students enjoy them,” she said. 
 
Although naturally shy, Cabral said Stan State helped her step outside her comfort zone and become more confident in connecting with others. 
 
“The most powerful thing I learned at Stan State is that it’s nice to come out of your shell,” Cabral said. “Once I did, I was able to build connections and experience opportunities I never expected.” 
 
Her experiences also reinforced the importance of maintaining balance and prioritizing mental health throughout college. 
 
“Academics are important, but so is your mental health,” Cabral said. “Taking breaks and getting proper rest is important to prevent burnout.” 
 
After graduation, Cabral plans to pursue a career in graphic design, using her creativity to help inform, inspire and connect communities throughout the region. 
 
“Good design has the power to make information more accessible,” she said. “I hope to create work that positively impacts the community.”

#StanGrad File

What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?

“The memories that stand out the most from my time at Stan State have to be walking around the quad during Warrior Wednesday. I liked seeing the many organizations and communities Stan State has to offer, and it really showed me how diverse the community was on campus. It was interesting to see what kinds of activities were being held that day and it's always nice to see different groups of students enjoy them.”

Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?

“The faculty and staff members that had the greatest impact on me were Victor Jimenez and Katie Dowling. As someone who plans to pursue a career in graphic design, I learned a lot while working under them as an intern and student staff. I gained confidence in myself and my skills as I worked under their guidance. They were great mentors that taught me a lot of valuable things that I can take with me as I pursue my future career goals.”

What advice would you give to current and future students?

“Maintain a good school-life balance. It is easy to prioritize academics, and we can get lost in the number of assignments and exams due so quickly that we forget to take care of ourselves. Academics are important, but so is your mental health. Taking breaks and getting proper rest is important to keep your mind sharp and to prevent burnout. Throughout my time in Stan State, I learned that staying organized and keeping a good school-life balance is a good way to protect your mental health.”

Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2026. Read more StanGrad profiles.