College is not a race with a deadline, but a continuous journey of gaining knowledge and making connections that help a person grow toward discovering their purpose.
Class of 2026 grad Osvaldo Flores earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a minor in Chicana and Chicano studies. However, when he began at Cal State Fullerton, he faced several challenges. Along the way, he was introduced to Open University, which provided him with an opportunity to rebuild his GPA and find his way back into his academic journey.
The Open University program allows individuals who are not formally admitted to the university to enroll in CSUF courses when space is available. Flores worked with program adviser Suzanne Batista to plan his schedule and talk through his concerns as a student who started, paused, and returned to school while balancing work, family, and other commitments. He gave a heartfelt thanks to Batista for believing in him, even on the days that he struggled.
“I felt like I had an academic partner that never gave up on me,” Flores said. “I felt very comfortable being transparent with Suzanne when I was not able to take on more classes. No matter how many units I was taking, Suzanne was always willing to help.”
Flores said that check-ins with Batista and receiving feedback was “very instrumental” to the decisions he made toward earning his degree. He managed his time and improved his GPA by attending office hours to ask professors questions and booking quiet rooms at the library.
“I had to learn how to adapt to taking each academic year one semester at a time,” he said.
After being admitted to Cal State Fullerton as a student studying communication studies, Flores collaborated with his professors and made friends through the honor society Lambda Pi Eta, which helped him embrace college life through social outings and study sessions.
“What’s important is surrounding yourself with people that are like-minded,” Flores said. “You always need that community to make sure that you have each other’s backs.”
Graduation day was a “life-changing event” for Flores. He celebrated a longtime goal, surrounded by family as a first-generation college graduate. Parting ways with classmates and professors solidified the reality that he was moving onto the next chapter of his life.
“I am proud of myself,” Flores said. “I am proud that I was finally able to earn my degree even though I felt like quitting so many times. I am grateful for my wife, family, and the communication department faculty that stood behind me and never doubted me.”
He advises students experiencing setbacks of any kind to seek out resources and academic advisers for help. Earning a college degree pays off, no matter how long it takes, because it contributes to a better quality of life and career trajectory.
“There isn’t one map that gets everyone to the same destination,” Flores said. “Each one of us will encounter different obstacles. The important thing is finding the resources and support that help you keep moving forward because no matter how long the journey takes, it’s never too late to reach your academic goals. As for me, my educational journey has taken me over 15 years.”
Flores will attend USC to pursue a master’s degree in educational counseling. Combined with his bachelor’s degree, he plans to become an academic adviser that partners with students throughout their college journeys.
“I want to help nontraditional students that are coming back or even students that are leaving, so we can improve student retention,” Flores said. “I’ve been there. I’ve done it. I know what it takes and that’s truly the impact that I’m trying to have with students in higher learning.”
Visit the University Extension website to learn about taking courses through the Open University program.