Isaac Cazares-Ramos

Pronouns: 

He/him 

Major: 

Kinesiology

Hometown: 

San Leandro, CA

What are your campus involvements? 

I have served at SSU as a Social Justice Leader for The HUB, Senator of Engagement for Associated Students (AS), Summer Bridge Leader, and am an active member of Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity and Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MEChA).

What is your favorite memory or experience at SSU? 

My favorite memory would honestly have to be Big Nite. I have had the privilege of attending all three Big Nites that have happened during my time here at SSU. I love how the school is able to bring the carnival to students, especially because I feel like not every student has been able to experience something like it. 

What has been the most challenging part of your college experience and what did you learn from it? 

Coming from a diverse city such as San Leandro, I quickly learned just how different each city might be. Coming to SSU, I honestly felt out of place for the first time. I was confused when I heard that the school was a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), because when I got here, I didn't see that. I didn't get the sense that I wasn't welcome, just that I didn't belong.

I knew that this thinking would affect my academics and it would make my mother worry, so I decided to get involved. I joined Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MECha), I joined a Latino fraternity, and finally, I joined the HUB team as a Social Justice Leader. I put myself out there in order to overcome those feelings of not fitting in. I had to do it myself because no one else would. I learned that if you don't fit somewhere, you've got to make yourself fit.

What brought you to SSU, and what motivates you to stay? 

What brought me to SSU was the scenery and the housing. It was a beautiful campus, and I visited twice before deciding to attend. I had other CSUs in mind, but for me, SSU had the best housing. I feel like I have accomplished a lot here at SSU.I am proud of where I study.

Who at SSU has influenced you and/or made an impact on your journey here? 

There have been many who have made an impact on me. First and foremost, Tramaine and Bianca from the HUB. They gave me a job when no one else would! They trust me so much to post on our instagram, and have even entrusted me with updating the HUB website. Ignacia Gallegos has helped me tremendously with my classes. I also want to give a shoutout to the Summer Bridge Pro staff (Summer ‘24) for giving me the opportunity to be a leader in another position. And of course, I would like to thank the students who voted for me to become the Senator of Engagement for AS.