South San Francisco, CA April 8, 2016
21 year old Connie Marie Lico Climbs from
South San Francisco, is majoring in Consumer Affairs; minor in Entrepreneurship and Human Resources Management
Connie credits her parents and sister Clarissa for the opportunities she has experienced bringing her to where she is today
We have some amazing young adults moving out into the world doing some incredible things in their lives and we greatly appreciate when they reach back to let us know what they are up to and how life is playing out for them. Connie Calimbas is one of those exceptional youth that we have been honored to peek into her life today. Connie is now at California State University Long Beach after graduating from All Souls Catholic School (class of ’08), Westmoor High School (class of ’12), and three community colleges which were Skyline, CSM, and Chabot (class of ’14). She will be graduated from CSULB this semester. “I love representing my South City hometown!” Connie tells us. And it sounds like she is doing a fine job as we can see from her featured article on the CSULB Alumni Association.
My Beach Experience:
My two years here at The Beach have been nothing but remarkable. I am truly blessed to come by opportunities that helped me be the best version of myself. From the day I received my acceptance letter to knowing I have a month until graduation—I have experienced an unforgettable time here. Thank you Mom, Dad, and Clarissa for the infinite support and love.
My Path to CSULB:
I attended three community colleges (College of San Mateo, Skyline College, and Chabot College) and transferred to California State University Long Beach in Fall 2014. This was actually the first school that sent me my acceptance letter and I was stoked! During my spring break at my community colleges, my parents and I visited the campus. I fell in love with Long Beach: the school, the people, things to do, and places to see. It was difficult leaving my loved ones, however I was ready for an adventure that was over 400 miles away from home.
I came to this school as a Human Resources Management major. I realized changing my major would be beneficial and switched over to Consumer Affairs. Nonetheless, I am still fervent about the business industry. I turned my old major into a minor, and unexpectedly took on a second minor in Entrepreneurship. I have been consistently taking classes year round and maxing out my units per semester; therefore I am still able to graduate on time.
My best living situation would be to dorm on campus since I did not know anyone in the area. Living on campus has not only been convenient, but I met numerous people and built countless friendships. I was determined to be a well-rounded individual for my last two years of college. I joined a sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, and found my home away from home. Being in a sorority gave me opportunities to speak in crowds and overcome my fear of public speaking. I am in an honor society, Kappa Omicron Nu, and I am polishing up on my leadership and business skills. I am also on the Club Cheerleading Squad as a flyer, and I am glad to be doing what I have been passionate about since I was 11. Lastly, I am a member of Beach Newman, a club where I can express my faith with other college students.
Seizing My Opportunities:
Aside from my life at campus, I work at Nordstrom (Newport Beach location) in Customer Service. I have been working for the company for over three years, and I realized I would like a career where I can help people, whether it is customers or employees. Having an extremely busy life doing a variety of things made me ambitious and charismatic about what I do. I make time for myself, try to call/text my parents everyday, and hang out with my friends. Having extra-curricular activities is all about time management. Being affiliated with several organizations has opened doors for me and I look forward to seeing what my next adventure will be.
If there were advice I can give to a future freshman or transfer student, I would say this: be true to yourself and don’t look back. Things are not always going to go as planned, and that is perfectly okay. Risk it or no reward! You are going to experience an assortment of events. Utilize all the resources our school has to offer like the Career Center (afternoon workshops), the Rec Center (6am workouts are worth it), the library (my second home), and even the USU (the rooms during the evening are a great location to study). Make your time at The Beach something you want to be proud of. Don’t be afraid to join clubs and reach out to your fellow classmates. You’re only in college once… and don’t forget, graduation starts today 🙂
Life After The Beach:
My parents taught me to always stay humble. I have numerous dreams and aspirations for my life after graduation. I hope to land a corporate internship out-of-state this summer. I am also in the process of studying for the GRE and researching graduate programs to enhance and expand my education in Consumer Affairs, Human Resources, or Public Policy. My dream career has always been to be Vice President of Human Resources for a big company at corporate level. If life takes me to a different avenue, I hope to find an alternative that involves serving others, being ethical, and seeing my hard work pay off. Even if I face challenges whether it be tomorrow, next year, or in five years, I will continue to keep going and learn from my mistakes. I will find and create my definition of happiness.
Go Beach!
Favorites
Professor:I am pleased to say I had knowledgeable professors during my time here. Thank you Dr. Moshirvaziri from Information Systems department, Dr. Teweles from Management department, and Dr. Robles from Family and Consumer Sciences department for believing in me.
Classes: I had tough yet fun classes. My two favorite classes are:
· MGMT 421 with Professor Sparks because I learned that if you’re going to do something, do it well and whole-heartedly
· CAFF 429 with Dr. Engstrom because this class has helped me be passionate about my major and different avenues of consumer awareness
Connie is the Secretary and Flyer member of CSULB Club Cheerleading Squad –
Connie is the Campus Relations for the Omicron Nu Honor Society
Activities and Organizations:
· Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority – Former Charm and Courtesy Chairman
· Beach Newman Catholic Organization
· CSULB Club Cheerleading Squad – Secretary and Flyer
· Kappa Omicron Nu Honor Society – Campus Relations Chairman
Place on Campus:Last semester I was in USU-204 studying for a final. I met someone who is now a close friend of mine and I am grateful him and I crossed paths.
Quotes & Verses:
·“Excuses are for people that don’t want it bad enough.”
· “Overcome your obstacles, embrace your struggles.”
· “I’m a firm believer in luck; the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
· “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of it’s own. –Matthew 6:34
· “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11