Hi there! My name is Galilea Guzman, but I go by "Gigi" for short. I am currently a member of the Honors program and majoring in Psychology at College of the Canyons. After long deliberation, I chose this major because I am passionate about human behavior and social sciences. Next spring, I hope to transfer to Cal State Northridge and obtain my Bachelor's degree in 2023.
I am constantly motivated by my own work ethic and how far I have come in my academic career. Throughout the years, I have learned that not all things come easily. This mindset allows me to persevere even through the toughest of challenges in school, because I know that the reward would not have been as gratifying if I did not work hard for it. I am lucky to be surrounded by so many intellectual friends and family members who have been the backbone of my support system for as long as I can remember. When I see the people that I love succeed, it inspires me to push harder to one day be as successful as them.
My academic prowess did not come without its fair share of challenges. Attending a very strict high school meant that prestigious universities were the only option. Even as a high honors student who took advanced placement classes and volunteer work, I was rejected from all of my dream schools. All of these rejections coupled with the fact that I was undecided, made me feel extremely discouraged. I did not know how I would ever overcome this dark period in my life. My wonderful mother reminded me that these rejections did not define me. As a Mexican-American mother of three, my mom raised my siblings and I at a very young age all while attending nursing school. Her testimony sparked a fire in me, because I am constantly aware of the Latinx college gap, which makes them half as likely to obtain a degree than their white counterparts. I realized that she went to community college first, and then eventually obtained her nursing credentials and degree at a four-year university. This epiphany allowed me to realize this was not a setback at all, rather, a way for me to explore my options even further. Although I was reluctant at first, I am so happy with my decision to attend COC because it has granted me the time I needed to pick a major and reflect on my own values.
In my free time, I enjoy reading fiction novels and relaxing with my dog that I just rescued named Penny. I also have a passion for photography and filmmaking. I was involved in photography clubs in highschool, as well as my school’s yearbook committee. During my first year, I was also enrolled in Photography 150, which reviewed the basic elements of a digital camera, as well as compositional elements of photographs. These interests of mine allow me to divert my attention elsewhere when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Moreover, they have overall shaped me to who I am today by allowing me to grow artistically and creatively without limits.
I am constantly motivated by my own work ethic and how far I have come in my academic career. Throughout the years, I have learned that not all things come easily. This mindset allows me to persevere even through the toughest of challenges in school, because I know that the reward would not have been as gratifying if I did not work hard for it. I am lucky to be surrounded by so many intellectual friends and family members who have been the backbone of my support system for as long as I can remember. When I see the people that I love succeed, it inspires me to push harder to one day be as successful as them.
My academic prowess did not come without its fair share of challenges. Attending a very strict high school meant that prestigious universities were the only option. Even as a high honors student who took advanced placement classes and volunteer work, I was rejected from all of my dream schools. All of these rejections coupled with the fact that I was undecided, made me feel extremely discouraged. I did not know how I would ever overcome this dark period in my life. My wonderful mother reminded me that these rejections did not define me. As a Mexican-American mother of three, my mom raised my siblings and I at a very young age all while attending nursing school. Her testimony sparked a fire in me, because I am constantly aware of the Latinx college gap, which makes them half as likely to obtain a degree than their white counterparts. I realized that she went to community college first, and then eventually obtained her nursing credentials and degree at a four-year university. This epiphany allowed me to realize this was not a setback at all, rather, a way for me to explore my options even further. Although I was reluctant at first, I am so happy with my decision to attend COC because it has granted me the time I needed to pick a major and reflect on my own values.
In my free time, I enjoy reading fiction novels and relaxing with my dog that I just rescued named Penny. I also have a passion for photography and filmmaking. I was involved in photography clubs in highschool, as well as my school’s yearbook committee. During my first year, I was also enrolled in Photography 150, which reviewed the basic elements of a digital camera, as well as compositional elements of photographs. These interests of mine allow me to divert my attention elsewhere when I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed. Moreover, they have overall shaped me to who I am today by allowing me to grow artistically and creatively without limits.
My Current Favorite Song:
WHere were you born?
Los Angeles, CA.
What is your ethnicity?
I am Mexican-American and proud!
what's your favorite color?
Pink!
How old are you?
19. I will turn 20 years old on October 23 :)
how tall are you?
5'2"