CSUB senior Jonathan R. Madrigal, 23, will be a first generation graduate with a major in psychology and a minor in criminal justice from CSUB. He is also a member of the Delta Zeta Tau fraternity.
By Christopher Short
Staff Writer
Jonathan Madrigal personifies dedication.
“Sí se puede,” said Madrigal, a psychology major at California State University, Bakersfield.
Madrigal is a first-generation graduate in his family.
“Being a first-generation college graduate is a tremendous honor for not only myself, but my family as well,” said Oscar Sandoval, 21, a fellow psychology major and colleague. Both Sandoval and Madrigal share a common bond in this admirable achievement.
Commencing his undergraduate degree in Fall 2009, Madrigal has been striving toward completion ever since. His hard work and commitment is transparently inspiring.
“From my perspective, Jonathan has shown to work diligently throughout his undergrad and always works hard to strive for good grades and accolades,” said Jesus Perez, 29, a business and administration major and fellow colleague at CSUB.
However, Madrigal’s college experience hasn’t been all puppies, flowers, and rainbows.
“I started off as an engineering major, then I switched to physics for about a quarter, then I decided to try nursing,” said Madrigal. “I wasn’t happy with these majors not because they weren’t difficult, but because I wasn’t passionate about it as others in the field were. So I decided to go undeclared and I took psychology 100 with Professor Rude. I instantly found my passion.”
For Madrigal, psychology is a field where he can come alongside people and lend a helping hand.
“I want to help individuals, most specifically kids and marriages,” said Madrigal. “My parents were both immigrants from Mexico and were always at work. They would leave before I woke up to go to school and would get home almost at the time I had to go to sleep. I just want to make a difference and show people that someone who isn’t family cares about them.”
Madrigal’s collegiate journey has had its rough roads to till. How did he persevere? The support from his mother.
“My mom always told me to keep on going and not to give up,” said Madrigal. “She has truly inspired me and I remember everyday when she would come home from working at Grimmway Farms. She would tell me to work hard and that education was the best thing she gave me.”
With graduation on the horizon, Madrigal’s family, especially his mother, is excited.
“I did this all for my mom,” said Madrigal. “ So I could one day tell her that she doesn’t have to worry about bills anymore and she could just relax like she deserves.”
Over the course of his five years at CSUB, Madrigal has found long-lasting friendships.
“My favorite part of college was the people I met and the lasting friendships that I made,” said Madrigal. “I have met people that have had a huge impact on my life.
Madrigal is currently looking into Masters of Social Work programs and pursuing a career in social work. “I ultimately desire to become a licensed therapist in marriage, family, and/or therapy,” said Madrigal.
