Gabby Jimenez
Meet Gabby
Pronouns: She/Her
Major: Astrophysics
Year: Second
Hometown: Chico, CA
What are your campus involvements?
Lambda Sigma Gamma Sorority, Inc., EOP, TRIO, MESA, Society of Physics Students, CAASE (Student Assistant), Physics Department (Student Assistant)
What is your favorite memory or experience at SSU?
My favorite memory so far was doing my very first tabling for an event. It was for the Society of Physics Students on Seawolf Decision Day 2023. Not only did I feel like I had finally made it, but I was also able to show incoming students how absolutely amazing this campus is and to hopefully be a part of their reason for choosing SSU.
What has been the most challenging part of your college experience and what did you learn from it?
The most challenging part of college has been learning it's OK to not always be perfect. As a first-generation student I've had very high expectations put on me, and in the past I didn’t have anyone to ask for help. I had to learn that I don’t have to be so hard on myself and it's OK not to get an A on every paper. I was able to get connected with different programs here on campus such as TRIO, LARC, and MESA for help, and all of them have been monumental to my college experience. I would not be here if it wasn't for these programs always being there to help me.
What brought you to SSU, and what motivates you to stay?
When I came to visit campus on Seawolf Decision Day 2022, I left knowing I made the right choice. Every student and staff person I talked to had nothing but amazing things to say and wholeheartedly loved SSU. Seeing their love and passion for the school filled me with so much happiness and excitement to start here. From then on, I felt like I wanted to make a difference on this campus like they had for me. As I entered this college, I looked for ways I could give back and help students like me and spread my love for this amazing school. The more I learn and get to help students, I can’t help but fall in love with the school all over again.
Who at SSU has influenced you and/or made a difference in your journey here?
My biggest influence has been Nataly Hernandez. I first met Nataly in Summer Bridge 2022. Since then, I have been lucky enough to work with her and be able to call her a sister after joining Lambda Sigma Gamma Sorority, Inc. Nataly has been one of my biggest inspirations as well as a rock for me. I can always count on her to help me with anything and everything SSU-related, and if I need someone to talk to. Getting to know Nataly I see how persistent she is in her goals, and she is one of the most selfless people I know. Because of her, I applied to work at CAASE, and she has always been there to support me 100% of the time. She's the first to tell you of ways to get involved on campus. I can honestly say everything I have learned about SSU and why I have gotten so involved is because of her, and I can never thank her enough.