How HonorsX has Impacted Students

Hear From Our Students!

Sit down with the 2024-2025 cohort students as they share their experience in the three-semester program.

Silky Nigenda, B.A. Psychology, 2022-23

This unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate the value of diverse perspectives and share a passion for change became my anchor, marking the beginning of my journey."

Mikhail Ocampo, B.S. Business Admin., 2022-23

HonorsX has been enriching as a student as it helps me think as an entrepreneur and also think from the perspective of learning and problem solving."

Richard Rojas, B.A. Art, 2023-24  

HonorsX is a great curriculum. You get to meet so many new people, you make new connections, you get new opportunities, you get to do funding and research, and actually provide a change to not only the university but the local city as a whole."

Victoria Ayyoub Lama, B.A. Sociology, 2023-24

It’s less of a typical structured class and it’s more of a safe space for students to openly express their ideas, create anything they want, and actually bring it to life and should be implemented in our schools everywhere."

Michelle Torres, B.S. Business Admin., 2023-24

HonorsX is unique, and we have special privileges. It is a coveted class of chosen individuals who make up a special task force. Our voices are listened to and sought after if we step up and do the work. There is so much potential to make major impacts in our communities. It is very empowering and worth the time, effort, and challenges."

Wafaa Rahim, B.A.Communication Studies, 2024-25

The presence of distinguished figures from the university who provided encouragement left a deep impression on me. It was also enjoyable when the students spend time together, participate in various activities, and share meals. All of this played a significant role in adapting to the program, connecting with the professors, and fostering camaraderie among the students."

 

Dipanjot Kaur, B.S. Justice Studies, 2024-25

I think I've never done so much research in my life as much as I did for this project. And I'm so glad I did because the issue of our project was so much bigger than we actually thought it was and affected many more students. I loved doing researching, conducting interviews, and surveys. It feels like second nature to me now.” 

Paula Sabinon, B.S. Kinesiology, 2024-25

HonorsX made learning about AI very intriguing and easy to understand….The Adobe events were a great exposure to public speaking and networking.” 

Denise Guillen, B.A. Psychology, 2024-25

“I really enjoyed connecting with my peer mentors. Jhony and Stephanie really helped me out with advice and questions I had. Made me more comfortable and excited being in HonorsX.”

An image of Kiyomi Yee, an HonorsX student from the 2024-25 cohort.
Kiyomi Yee, B.S. Computer Science & Linguistics, 2024-25

“The amount of skills that I was able to write in my resume due to HonorsX was just amazing. I learned the whole Adobe Suite thanks to Dr. Korani and it was an overall fun experience. Another takeaway that I loved from this cohort was creating a Brand Identity Guide which was absolutely so helpful.”

Photo collage of HonorsX students collaborating and participating in extracurricular activities.

Sit down with the 2023-2024 HonorsX Cohort to hear about their journey with HonorsX. Taught by two faculty members from different disciplines, the HonorsX program welcomes students from multiple majors to come together to learn, research, and solve various sustainability issues we face today as a society.

Students' Experience with Networking & Mentorship

Stephanie Montoya Arevalos, B.S. Business Administration, 2023-24

I learned how to think outside the box, how to network with individuals of unfamiliar backgrounds, and how to work with effectively with a team.

Angelica Chavez, B.S. Justice Studies, 2023-24

I loved working with Dr. Parinaz. I made a lifelong friend in her. Her wisdom helped keep me on track.

Kaysha Ragocos, B.A. Design Studies, 2023-24

I also really enjoyed speaking to mentors that are in different work fields than what I am aspiring to work in, it helped me gain perspective and understanding from stances other than my own.

Angelica Chavez
Angelica Chavez, B.S. Justice Studies

Independent Study with Faculty

"Honors X helped me to decide what I want to do with my degree, I got to work with the Mineta Transportation Institute (MTI), and I know that what I do moving forward has meaning and can apply to my major with ease.”

Learn More About the Curriclum