College can normally be considered a time where students may face their most stressful moments. While college brings a heavy workload to students, for Tricia Alcid it was the hard work that made her enjoy her college experience much more and changed her into the person she is today.

As the semester comes to an end, Alcid is doing nothing more but anticipating her approaching graduation that she has waited four years for.

“I feel nervous of course, but in reality, I am brimming with anticipation and adrenaline. This will be a beginning of a new chapter of my life,” she said.

Studying Psychology, Alcid explains that she did more than just study and get good grades. She found it important to be as active in every school activity and function as she could.

“Over the course of four years on campus, I have been a part of the Civility Campaign, Alpha Omicron Pi, Gamma Sigma Alpha, Order of Omega, Psychology Student Organization, Psi Chi International Honor Society, Golden Key International Honor Society, SLL Peer Mentoring Program, ASI Board of Directors, Active Minds, Kamalayan Alliance, LGBTQA Club and Circle K International,” Alcid said as she laughs at her long list of credentials.

If her heavy involvement wasn’t apparent enough, Alcid volunteered year-end as much as she could as well.

“I have volunteered with the ASI Community Centers, and the Hope and Wellness Center. I have been part of our IITS and SLL Cross-Cultural Center on campus. I have had the honor of being a research assistant for two Psychology research labs on campus, along with volunteering for Lightbridge Hospice for my PSYC 495 Field Experience class. I know I have listed a lot, but I just like getting involved!” she said.

For Alcid, being involved on campus is what made her experience so great.

“I love doing community events and school events. I feel that it builds community and camaraderie when I am able to volunteer and help with events and groups on campus.”

Not only does being involved get you connected to your campus, but Alcid said it can benefit in growing as a person.

“Getting involved is truly the best way to develop interpersonal skills and build relationships with others, and I feel that even getting involved with one thing on campus helps build long-lasting relationships,” she said.

With years of being a dedicated student and devoting so much time and energy to our campus, Alcid believes that her hard work was worth it, for it helped her realize her potential as a leader. She is thankful to CSUSM for providing her with more than just an education.

“I have met people that I feel are closer than my own family, and meeting these have changed my life for the better. They have been my support through the hard times, the laughter in the good times, and I would not trade these priceless memories for the world.”

Dreaming of being a positive influence on individuals, Alcid foresees herself as trying to add some positivity to people struggling with their lives and stress.

“I have realized that helping people is only the tip of the iceberg. Rather, I want to be able to empower others to help themselves, which is one of the greatest things you can give to another person”

After graduation, Alcid plans on joining the Peace Corps and aims to apply for graduate programs for social work and psychology research.

While she says she will miss college for helping remind her what day it is, she is ready to embark on the next chapter in her journey.
“Don’t be afraid of putting yourself out there, along with not getting discouraged! Over these past four years, I have worked and involved with many organizations, but I have also faced rejection and dejection over these four years,” she said to current students. “Know that rejection helps build character, and that how you work with that rejection and dejection helps you build confidence and skills for future endeavors. Moving forward confidently after failure is one of the ways to grow into a future leader.”