Student Spotlight: Claudia Ruvalcaba

Name: Claudia Ruvalcaba

High School: Bonita Vista High School

Major: Child and Family Development

Expected Graduation Date: May 2017

Favorite Quote: “Live and Learn”

Hobby: Going to the beach, listening to country music, working with children, and going to concerts.

What is your favorite part about SDSU?

My favorite part of SDSU is making state a home away from home. I am a member of Delta Zeta sorority, president of the Child and Family Development Student Organization of 2016-2017, and secretary of the College of Education Student Council 2016. I believe that my involvement at San Diego State has helped me grow up and essentially break out of my shell. I feel that my involvement has further allowed me to learn important career skills needed out in my field.

How has the Compact Scholars Program helped you throughout your college career?

During my freshman year I was a part of the Casa Azteca student program. I feel that it was a great way to transition and support the incoming freshmen. I was able to meet the Assistant Dean of my college through this program and have been blessed with her support. I believe this is a great way for students to efficiently transition from high school to college.

Tell us about an experience you have had outside of class. (Job, internship, project, etc.)

I work at the SDSU Children Center, have studied abroad in Mexico City, and interned at an elementary school,

What is your favorite class on campus and why?

My favorite class is CFD 275 with Prof. Gallozzi. She is such a big inspiration and an amazing mentor. Also, this is the first lab class that you take in the Child Development major and it has provided me with the experience of being a teacher. I also really enjoyed CFD 590 which is a lab class that involves people with special needs. I am very passionate abut helping and being inclusive towards the special needs community. This class shows you the importance of learning and accepting people for who they are.

Are you involved in any organizations or clubs on campus?

I am involved in Delta Zeta, Compact Scholars, and the Child and Family Development Student Organization

What do you plan on doing after graduation?

I plan to apply for the joint ECSIBRIS program with the Child Development Major. I think it is important to continue educating yourself to be the best you could be. After, I would love to try and be a professor at state. I believe that this would be a great way to give back to the place that has truly shown me to be the person that I want to be.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

Live and Learn. The choices that you make in college are the choices that will show you what you want out of life. These four years are going to go by in the blink of an eye. So learn from mistakes and break out of your shell. Finally, enjoy every second.