By Gloria Mallaganes 

Assistant Opinion Editor 

Viri Guzman is a senior at CSUSM. She is double majoring in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Spanish. After five long years as a student here, she will be graduating in May, the first in her family to do so.

From first glance, people wouldn’t be able to tell that Guzman has had a hard life. She lost her mother at a young age; she was only 11 years old at the time. As a result, her aunt and uncle took her into their home. Because of the trauma she suffered from losing her mother, she struggled with thoughts of depression and suicide.

“I felt as if my life was purposeless. There was nothing that I really looked to. There wasn’t much that motivated me to do my best, except for the exhortations of my aunt and uncle,” Guzman said.

Her introduction to church and God eventually helped her realize that she needed to make a change in her life and that’s when she decided to turn her life around.

“I no longer think the way I thought, I see each day as a blessing, and I know I was born with a purpose.”

Ever since then Guzman has become an inspiration for her family and those around her.

She is driven and intelligent; there’s no doubt that she will accomplish what she sets out to do.

She has always been interested in the law and the judicial system. She wants to work with children, youth, families and victims of sex-trafficking. She wants to advocate for their rights and help “empower these groups of individuals.” When asked why she chose to study Political Science, she said that it “was the passion to serve in the legal system and make an impact in people’s lives by being a bridge of justice.”

According to Guzman, her time at CSUSM has been challenging but rewarding. She especially likes how professors on campus challenge their students to think critically. She said that it helps to “further broaden our perspective on various topics,” especially in her area of study.

Guzman’s Christian faith has been a major part of her life, one that has helped her through these challenging years at CSUSM.

“My vision for the future is no longer blurred. He lights up the path before me, directing my every step. I owe my success to Him alone and to those He blessed me with in guiding me and encouraging me throughout this journey,” she said.

When it comes to advice all she has to say is, “no matter what comes your way, keep going […] There might be times that you’ll feel discouraged and it’s okay, but don’t let it overcome you, overcome IT.”

Congratulations, Graduate! Continue to be a light in this dark world.