Jill Finder '77

I had a difficult home life growing up, so when I went to college I didn't take it seriously. I was struggling academically, but I knew I wanted to become a teacher. I went to Dr. Beck in the education department and pleaded with him to let me into the program. He gave me a chance and it changed my life. I got A's and B's and wanted to get my master's in education. Dr. Beck encouraged me and I became the teacher I am today. I graduated with my master's when my son was three months old. I took night classes and persevered. I loved campus life and all my classes. They broadened my awareness and I felt like I could have gone on forever. I'm so proud of my time at California State University and the opportunities it gave me.