By Melissa Martinez
This summer, 20-year-old CSUSM sociology and women’s studies major Cipriano Vargas was appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees, the most prestigious position a student can hold in the 23-campus system.
He is the first CSUSM student in history to be appointed to the position. Vargas is one of two students serving on the Board of Trustees in a two-year staggered term. The first year student position is non-voting and the second year position is the voting member. Vargas will be representing and introducing issues that affect all 400,000 CSU students statewide.
“It is not an easy task, but I am definitely a leader who is committed and will do my best to represent the CSU,” Vargas said of his appointment by California Gov. Jerry Brown.
The Cougar Chronicle interviewed Vargas to learn more about what he hopes to accomplish with this distinguished position.
Question: This position is very prestigious, how did you attain it?
Answer: It was a very rigorous process. I applied back in March. Out of all the applications received, they narrowed it down to eight individuals that were interviewed by the California State Student Association Executive Board, which included a panel interview with all 23 ASI presidents in April at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. From there, they selected three names that were submitted to the Governor’s office. In May, I traveled to Sacramento and interviewed with Deputy Secretary to Appointments, Victoria Hassid. There was a second round of interviews with the Secretary to Appointments, Mona Pasquil, in July. I received the official phone call that I was appointed on Aug. 24.
It has been a long process. I received letters of recommendation from the Associate Dean of Students, Dr. Toya, and the Executive Director of the Clarke Field House, Sara Quinn. Overall, I think the interviews with the Governor’s Office were what impressed them the most. I talked about my own experience, my goals if selected to the Board of Trustees (BOT), the current issues within the BOT and my future goals.
Q: What kind of changes do you hope to see/make on our campus and the CSU system?
A: I hope to get students motivated and educate them so we can mobilize and do something about the issues. The CSU system is the biggest educational system in the nation with over 400,000 students and we graduate about 90,000 students each year. We need it to be accessible and affordable, yet we have seen the cost of tuition go up. Meanwhile, accessibility is a challenge we currently face.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a leader?
A: I am a leader with a vision and passion, especially when it comes to education. I am a first generation college student and I know what a college degree can do for an individual. Although I am more of an introvert, I am definitely a leader who motivates and inspires others through my actions. I have had great mentors who have helped me, guided me and motivated me to continue growing as a leader, and I intend on continuing that.
Q: How do you hope to represent all of the students at 23 campuses?
A: I will be traveling every month to a different CSU, because as a student trustee it is important that students voice their struggles so that I can take it back to the BOT and provide student input. I want to mobilize students and remove this environment of student apathy. I believe that if students are aware, they are more likely to do something about the issues. Although I have my own struggles and challenges within the education system, I want to represent and voice the struggles of all the students regardless of where they come from. Although there are many challenges, I hope that two years from now when my term expires with the BOT, the CSU system is better because of students voicing their struggles and addressing the issues of the CSU.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: Go to law school, and use the law degree as a tool for social change. I eventually want to get into the political system and run for office with a focus on issues of education. California has given me so much that I want to return the favor and serve this great state. More information of the Board of Trustee’s can be found at their website: calstate.edu/BOT.