Christopher Edgar Desierto Padron '22
Transferring to CSULB from the College of San Mateo during a pandemic had its challenges. Of course, being a film major means that we did not have the same hands-on learning experience most other students had. It also made it difficult to get involved or make new friends. I would not say that it was all bad. The professors and faculty understood our situation and our frustration and fought to give us the best experience possible. Once in-person classes within my major would resume in the Fall, I tried to do as much as I could for my Senior year. I became the second ASI Senator for the College of the Arts where I did my best to advocate for the students. I also did my best to help to help any production within the FEA in any way I could. The 40 of us in my cohort for Narrative Production are creative and supportive when we make something, yet chaotic and hilarious when together. Case in point, we have overused Waldman’s catchphrase “There is no free lunch” as there is a lot of truth and meaning in that quote. Our greatest feat to date is that we unintentionally released supernatural forces in FA-1 via a ritual performed by me for a film. Many people within the department now say that strange things happen in the building and we even have video evidence to back up our story.
There was a time where I did not think I would attend CSULB. I wanted to go to a film school that was around Los Angeles but somewhere where I did not have to take out a loan for my education. My best friend Jonathan and I thought about going to CSULB after we saw some of the portfolio submissions for the Narrative Production program. The program only accepts 40 students each fall with hundreds of applicants submitting portfolios every year. We decided to apply and finished our portfolios shortly before the pandemic started. Jonathan received his acceptance letter less than a month later while I did not receive an acceptance letter nor was I notified that I had been rejected. I later found out I was put on a waitlist. It wouldn’t be until that May shortly after graduating from community college when I received my acceptance letter into the Narrative Production program. Of course, I immediately accepted it.
To be honest, I have not given this as much thought as I should have. Life as an artist is unpredictable. I have thought about working at a studio or on a set. I could also be writing scripts or stories or shooting my own film. Maybe I could even do something with my other degree in broadcasting and radio. Nothing is set in stone, but I have options for what to do next.
I wanted to get involved with the myBEACH Program and CSULB Alumni because despite graduating, I will still have a connection to CSULB in some way shape or form. I have realized that in my later years in high school, community college, and even at CSULB, I have been a mentor to many people who have asked me for advice. I want to continue to support students regardless of their background or major who feel like they do not have the support they need.
