While raising two young daughters and working full-time, Magaly Uriostegui’s desire to return to college never wavered.
Uriostegui transferred to Cal State Fullerton in 2019 after earning an associate degree from Santa Ana College. During her first semester, she had low grades due to challenges balancing academics, family responsibilities and financial hardship.
She quit college and put her goal of earning a bachelor’s degree on hold. Now, the sociology major is getting a second chance at college.
Uriostegui was invited to restart college through the California State University’s Second Start Pilot Program — and seized the opportunity.
With the support of her husband and family, Uriostegui reentered CSUF in spring 2025. She’s achieved a 3.94 GPA and is on track to graduate in May, part of the first class of graduating Second Start students.
“Stepping away was difficult, but the goal of earning my degree never left me,” Uriostegui said. “It simply took time, maturity and the right support to return. Returning to college was about finishing what I started.”
The five-year pilot program, launched in the fall of 2024 at 14 California State University campuses, gives former students a fresh start to finish college.
“Second Start helps former students return to complete their undergraduate degrees by reducing barriers, resetting their GPA and streamlining the readmission process,” said Yuying Tsong, associate vice president for student success and academic support.
Tsong said the program is for individuals who left CSUF more than three years ago, did not enroll in a two- or four-year institution and had a GPA below 2.0 when they left.
Currently, 25 continuing students are in the program, and 13 new students were admitted this spring, said Maria Organista, director of academic advising and specialized advising programs, who oversees Second Start at CSUF.
The program, housed under the university’s Bring Back Titans umbrella, offers reentry advising, academic advising, tutoring and other campus resources to support returning Titans.
“Degree completion opens postbaccalaureate, career and professional opportunities that otherwise would not have been available to them,” Organista said. “These opportunities often contribute to the social mobility of the individuals and their families.”
The first in her family to pursue higher education, Uriostegui said that returning to college is setting an example for her children and nine siblings.
“I want to show them that setbacks don’t define us, but persistence does,” said Uriostegui, studying social inequalities and minoring in public administration.
“My journey is about breaking cycles and creating new possibilities for my family. With the right support and belief in yourself, it’s never too late to reach your goals.”
Participating in the Career Center’s “I Am First Program” for first-generation college students and serving as treasurer of the Rotaract Club of CSUF have also enriched her university experience.
Through the student club, she has completed over 75 hours of community service at food pantries and toy drives, as well as at nonprofits that address human trafficking and domestic violence.
Uriostegui aspires to a career in public service or nonprofit leadership, focusing on programs and policies that support underserved communities. She also plans to pursue a master’s degree in public administration.
“Knowing there is a community that truly understands my journey has helped me stay focused and confident,” she said. “This program has changed my life and my family’s future. I will forever be grateful for the support and opportunity Second Start has given me.”