What can happen when the skills you develop in college meet the courage to put yourself out there?

Stan State alumna Naomi Carrera ’23 joins Beyond the Classroom to talk about her journey from business administration student and campus content creator to co-founder of 922 Social Management, a social media management business serving organizations throughout the Central Valley.

Carrera earned her degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing and gained hands-on experience creating content while working with Stan State’s Communications and Marketing team. She credits that experience with strengthening her communication, organization and relationship-building skills — all of which became important tools when she started her own business.

In the episode, Carrera talks about finding opportunities in an emerging industry, approaching potential clients, building customized proposals, networking in the community and learning to move beyond her comfort zone. She also offers practical advice to students interested in content creation or entrepreneurship: start building a portfolio now, attend events and clubs, create with friends, approach local businesses and use accessible tools such as smartphones and Canva to practice your craft.

Most importantly, Carrera reminds aspiring entrepreneurs that building a business requires passion, persistence and a willingness to embrace the ups and downs along the way.

In this episode:

• Turning campus employment into career experience
• Building a portfolio before graduation
• Networking when you’re naturally shy
• Finding opportunities in emerging industries
• Developing relationships with clients
• Using social media to support local businesses
• Making the leap into entrepreneurship
• Finding the right collaborators and support system
• Learning by creating, experimenting and doing

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

In this episode, we welcome Samantha Johnson, a Stan State alumna who graduated in 2021 with a degree in sociology and now works as a field representative for California Assembly District 13.

Samantha discusses how her Stan State experience helped her grow personally and professionally, from living in the residence halls and joining the Sociology Club to working at the Warrior Cross Cultural Center and serving as a resident assistant. She also reflects on studying abroad in Spain, navigating college as a first-generation student and learning to step outside her comfort zone.

Now working in public service, Samantha serves communities including Tracy, Stockton, French Camp and Mountain House. She talks about the importance of civic engagement, constituent services and helping community members access resources through state agencies.

Listeners will hear Samantha’s advice on networking, finding internships, cold messaging professionals, saying yes to meaningful opportunities and identifying the values that can guide a career path. She also shares why sociology prepared her to work with diverse communities and why public service is rooted in empathy, communication and accountability.

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

Stan State alumnus Isaac McCrimon returns to campus for a conversation about career growth, public service and the lessons that happen outside the syllabus.

Isaac graduated in 2022 with a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Today, he works as an administrative analyst in San Francisco, where his role connects human resources, employee support, problem-solving and public service.

In this episode, Isaac discusses his path from the Bay Area to Stan State, his experience as a student-athlete, the importance of internships and networking, and how an unexpected layoff became a turning point in his career. He also shares practical advice for students pursuing accounting, business, human resources or public service careers.

In this episode:

• Why he switched from entrepreneurship to accounting
• The internship that helped him realize he was on the right path
• How networking led to his first professional opportunity
• What he learned from being laid off early in his career
• Why campus involvement and faculty relationships matter

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

What does a music degree prepare you to do? In this episode, Kristina Stamper shows that the answer can be much broader than many students realize.

A Stan State alumna and current Director of Communications and Creative Services, Kristina talks about how her experience as a music major helped her develop skills in communication, creativity, empathy and storytelling. She shares how professors and mentors encouraged her to think beyond traditional career paths, and how student employment on campus opened doors to professional opportunities in higher education.

Kristina also offers thoughtful advice for students navigating uncertainty, imposter syndrome and pressure to define success too narrowly. From seeking out mentors to saying yes to growth opportunities, she reminds listeners that careers often evolve in unexpected but meaningful ways.

In this episode, listeners will hear about:

• How mentorship helped shape Kristina’s path
• Why career journeys do not have to be linear
• The value of student employment and campus involvement
• How the arts build transferable career skills
• Advice for students on networking, confidence and defining success

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

In this episode of Taking Care of U, host Lesley Cantu talks with Alexa Aguirre Sanchez and Leticia Caballero from the Basic Needs program at Stan State. Together, they break down the essential services available to students — from food assistance and housing support to wellness workshops and support for parenting students. They share real stories, practical advice, and the driving passion behind the work they do every day to uplift the Warrior community.

Resources Mentioned:

• Warrior Food Pantry (Turlock & Stockton)
• Warrior Clothing Closet (Turlock)
• CalFresh Assistance & CalFresh Healthy Living
• Food Box Distributions (Turlock)
• Emergency Grants & Temporary Housing
• Basic Needs for Little Warriors
• Student Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

Links:

• Learn more: csustan.edu/basic-needs
• Contact Basic Needs: basicneeds@csustan.edu
• Follow on Instagram: @stanstate_basicneeds

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

In this episode of "Taking Care of U," host Lesley Cantu dives deep into the services and support available for undocumented students at Stan State. Joined by Guillermo Metelin Bock, the Undocumented Student Services Lead, this episode sheds light on available resources, the personal and professional challenges faced by undocumented students and the initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive campus environment. The discussion also addresses broader systemic issues such as immigration policies and the American Dream, underscoring the power of community and resilience.

Undocumented Student Services website: csustan.edu/undocumented-student-services

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

Enjoy this discussion between host Lesley Cantu and our guest Katie Billiet, Communications & Occupancy Management Specialist at Stan State's Residential Life Village.

Join the pair as they discuss the pivotal role of on-campus housing plays in enhancing the student experience, how living on-campus offers a range of academic and social benefits, and the importance of fostering a supportive community that nurtures both personal growth and academic excellence. Learn about the unique services and amenities provided at Stan State and discover why students who live on campus often perform better academically and build meaningful relationships that last beyond their college years.

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.

Enjoy this discussion between host Lesley Cantu and our guest Taylor Whittington, Ed.D, CPS, Health Educator at Stan State's Student Health Center.

Join the pair as they explore how the Student Health Center supports the overall well-being of students during their college years. From comprehensive primary and specialized care to preventive health measures, the health center ensures students have access to essential healthcare services. This episode dives into the telehealth options, on-site laboratory and pharmacy, and the crucial role these services play in making healthcare easily accessible for students.

This week's guest:
Taylor Whittington, Ed.D, CPS: Health Educator

Website:
https://www.csustan.edu/student-health-center

Produced by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, edited and recorded in the KCSS studios on the campus of Stanislaus State.