CAHSS Graduation Stories: Zsanna Lorenzo, School of Humanities & Communication
Zsanna Lorenzo has persevered through many obstacles to become an accomplished student and peer mentor. Raised in a single parent household, she endured and witnessed an unsafe environment at home, and for a time was placed in a group home. Yet, she always strove to be a model student, receiving high marks in school. After being at risk for homelessness, and returning for a time to the group home, she moved out at age 18. Zsanna continued her studies at community college, while working as a swim and dance instructor at the YMCA. Then Zsanna transferred to CSUMB, commuting first from San Jose, and then from Fresno. All the while, she kept up with her studies and became an oral history TA. She also began working as an EOP peer mentor, providing one on one support to first generation and low income students. Zsanna is dedicated to helping others achieve their potential and access resources. She was accepted to CSUMB's MSW program for the fall and plans to become a social worker.