Lucy : I didn ’ t have a mentor before joining the program . One of my mentors , Vanessa Alvarez , is a risk manager at Spotify and provides me with different perspectives and examples from her life , and encouragement . Speaking with her has been a boost to my confidence and why I successfully ran for president of the Cerritos College Accounting Club . It ’ s been a difference maker .

Brian : I didn ’ t have a mentor , but I dropping out or continuing on the path to graduation .

Q : When you look back at the experiences you ’ ve had in the Pathway program , what are your thoughts about your future ?

Lucy : I ’ m excited about my future because of how far I ’ ve come and for the things I have yet to accomplish .

Two years ago , I was uncertain about a lot of things , but not any longer . When I graduate from Cal State Northridge in December

A difference maker is having a support system that gives me the confidence in what I ’ m doing and the decisions I need to make . — Brian Givens

have one now , Okorie Ramsey , CalCPA member and AICPA Chair . He encourages me to continue on my path to pursue my bachelor ’ s degree and career in accounting . Between our formal meetings , Okorie makes himself available to answer questions and provide advice for situations I encounter so I make the best decisions for myself , which builds my confidence . His support led to me receiving a NABA scholarship enabling me to attend the national convention in New Orleans . It was very encouraging to see people like me with similar career goals and share our experiences with each other . It matters when you know someone cares about your success as much as you do .

Q : What motivates you to succeed and why do you feel confident about reaching your goals ?

Lucy : Having goals and understanding how to attain them is my source of motivation . I used to make decisions by taking someone ’ s word for it , but today , I ’ m confident seeking advice and why doing something is the best thing for me . I am more intentional about the choices I make about my future . My family , Pathway members and mentors provide a great support system .

Brian : To be able to be financially independent since I have never been able to do that before . It ’ s important to be the first in my family to earn a college degree and then be an example and resource to others who are in the same situation I was . My goals are clear and in the Pathway program ’ s workshops and speakers , you get an idea of what is required to be successful in academics or career matters .

Q : What advice do you have for other first-generation community college students who are starting their college journey ?

Lucy : Ask for help . Your professors are a great place to start , especially if your family members or friends are not able to help . Seek out a mentor because it will make a huge difference to the academic and career decisions facing you .

Brian : Get connected with others and start this process by getting to know your professors . Let them know about your interests and intent . If they know you ’ re serious about your education they will help you . Surround yourself with like-minded students by getting involved in a club or other activity , but take the initiative to engage with them to make a connection — just start by introducing yourself and sharing your experiences . These relationships can make the difference between

2024 , I will be starting my career in the audit department at EY in Los Angeles , and nothing is more exciting than that .

Brian : The good things that have happened to me has resulted in a 180-degree turnaround — all of the work has paid off so far . A difference maker is having a support system that gives me the confidence in what I ’ m doing and the decisions I need to make . I know what success looks like , the major I ’ m going to select upon transfer to a four-year university and my career choice . The advice I ’ ve received has helped me align my academic and career goals , something I didn ’ t have before . I completed an internship with a Big Four firm this summer and have the opportunity to do it again next year . I ’ m really excited about my future .

Q : Why is it important for you to pursue a CPA license ?

Lucy : At first , I questioned the importance of getting a CPA license . But in the Pathway program , I was presented with how much broader my long-term opportunities would be if I obtained it . Before , there wasn ’ t any one to explain it to me , but now it ’ s a goal of mine and I ’ m confident about earning it .

Brian : I have no hesitations since my aim is accounting as my career choice and obtaining a CPA license will open up more opportunities for me . I only worry about studying for the CPA Exam and what it will take to pass all four parts .

Q : What value have you gained as a CalCPA student member ? Lucy : I was excited to receive a scholarship from the CalCPA Los Angeles Chapter , but another benefit is growing my connections with other student members . I have served on panels to share with community college students on preparing for transfer to a four-year university . Being able to give back and support other like-minded students makes me feel like I ’ m a valued part of a community .

Brian : I was fortunate to be a recipient of a CalCPA Los Angeles Chapter scholarship . And membership in CalCPA has introduced me to a whole new group of professionals at every level . When I attended the chapter ’ s officer installation and scholarship event in May , professionals at every career level were introducing themselves and willing to speak with me . They also encouraged me to stay in touch . It was gratifying to have people show an interest in me and my future .

Charles Osaki , CPA is an accounting and finance lecturer at Cerritos College . You can reach him at cosaki @ cerritos . edu .

24 CALIFORNIA CPA DECEMBER 2023 www . calcpa . org