Aaron Tacub

Cal State LA LSAMP Program

BECAUSE I’M A CSU STEM VISTA…

I am transitioning from graduating to working a full-time job.

It has helped me see what the workforce is like, and also provided me with experience in a career I hope to do in the future. I had the opportunity to enhance the LSAMP program at CSULA. I have gained great skills of collaborating with all different types of programs. By creating so many connections on campus, I have been able to provide many STEM resources for STEM student success; for example, research opportunities, academic and professional development and more social integration.

My Favorite Part of CSU STEM VISTA...

Being able to work with the CSU system directly.

Being able to connect on campus and learn more about the different campuses has allowed me to help more students in their undergraduate careers. I get a glimpse of what difference or change I can do when I continue to work with the CSU system. Also, I love the VISTA team that I have come to know as my other family. The support system is so strong and allows me to get help and resources from all the other VISTA members.

My Typical Work Day

A typical day consists of emails, working with the student assistants, meetings, and program resources.

I am in charge of meeting with different programs to collaborate and connect. We want to get more representation of our program out there to further help students. I also am able to provide resources like student supplies, having the office opened later and having an open space for them to study, hang out or do homework. We are creating student resources and spaces to create successful paths for our students. There are research opportunities, funding, resources, events, workshops and student space within our office.

What Makes My Campus Unique

Cal State LA is unique because it is a commuter school. The traffic of diversity going through campus brings so many cultures, backgrounds and experiences.

All the students bring so many things to the table because of their different upbringings. I believe that all the students have strong desires and passions that keep the motivation and inspiration alive on this campus. The best part of working on campus is being able to help students reach their goals. I chose this campus because the program resonated with my future career plans and how I wanted to help students within STEM.

Why I Serve with CSU STEM VISTA

CSU STEM VISTA’s goals, aspirations and missions are exactly what I believe in and want to continue to serve.

I strive to use this experience because it is aligned to my future career goals. I want to work at universities. There needs to be a lot of changes and help within the realm of higher education, especially for STEM. Being a CSU alum, I want to continue working within the CSU system and fulfill the goals they have in these future years. The future of the CSU system continues to motivate me to work with these future generations of students.

One Moment That Stands Out

The moments that impact me through my work as a CSU STEM VISTA are working with my fellow VISTA members and supervisors.

Seeing all of us coming together and working towards our goals is the best. All of us are here to fulfill the mission of CSU STEM VISTA, but also the CSU system. I love the moments we share during our trainings, webinars, meetings and on social media. The support and community that we share with one another cannot be replaced. Each VISTA member putting in the work at their campuses influences and motivates me to do the same.

BACK TO VISTA PROFILES