More than half of the semester has gone by and project deadlines and finals are approaching. Stress makes it difficult to stay motivated while pursuing graduation, but these former Daily Sundial editors persevered and found their motivations in their university journeys.

Christopher Torres is a former editor-in-chief who graduated in the 2021 fall semester as a general journalism major with a minor in photography. Torres’ career accomplishments include winning the Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Award for sports photography and a few awards with the Press Photographers Association of Greater Los Angeles.

One of the reasons Torres stayed motivated to pursue graduation is to make sure all the money and time he spent on school would not go to waste. Before California State University, Northridge, Torres went to the University of Hawaii, but dropped out and later went to Pierce College, eventually transferring to CSUN.

“That was really exhausting, but I’m just glad to have been able to get it done because it was tough,” said Torres. “It was tough for sure.”

Torres advises utilizing all the services the school has to offer, whether it be clubs, educational resources or the library in order for students to get their money’s worth from the tuition.

Andres Soto is a former sports editor who graduated in the 2021 fall semester as a general journalism major. One of Soto’s career accomplishments is working for ESPN for some time and winning an award from the LA Press Club.

Soto was motivated by the prospect of being the first in his family to graduate from college. He also wanted to prove to himself he could do it. Soto dropped out of college once, then returned to go to a community college and then transfer to CSUN to get his degree.

Soto wants to remind students of the reason they decided to go to college. 

“I know it’s easy to lose sight of that,” said Soto. “Just remember what’s driving you and what’s forcing you to get up everyday.”

Ariel Gil is a former social media editor who graduated in the 2023 spring semester as a general journalism major. Gil went to Moorpark College, then went to Pierce College until she transferred to CSUN.

Gil was motivated by the desire to finish school and focus on herself and her career after receiving her degree. She thinks it’s important to look forward to the free time students earn once they graduate, and to think about how they can choose to surround themselves with new people or do new things right after they graduate.

Gil advises students to be confident in themselves and their education, to not be discouraged by their educational background and rather be genuine with themselves instead. 

Gil also recommends that students seek help during stressful times to take care of their mental health and to use counseling services that CSUN offers for free.

“Talk to somebody,” said Gil. “It is so important to be able to confide in people.”

Samantha Neff is a former culture editor who graduated in the 2023 spring semester with a major in general journalism with a minor in sociology. 

Neff was motivated to pursue graduation through her own joy and pride in her work — and the pride of her mother.

“Never had I had a taste of what it was like to get good grades and have my mom be outstandingly proud of me,” said Neff. “So when I started to feel that feeling, I was like, ‘I have to see this through, for sure.’”

A common sentiment among the alumni was the importance of balance for one’s mental health in college. Students from all backgrounds can dedicate a little bit of time for themselves and value themselves and their work as they pursue graduation.