Written By Charles Benn, CityHeART’s Art from Ashes Creative Intern
Hello, my name is Charles Benn, I am currently a 4th year student at Cal State Long Beach with a major in criminal justice. My hobbies consist of playing basketball, photography/videography, graphic design, hiking, video games, and hanging out with family/friends. I am a shy and quiet person so throughout my college journey I noticed I was not active in college, I would only go to class, play basketball, and go home, which is not a bad thing.
That all changed when I found my tribe within the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). As a first-gen college student from a low-income background, this program has been my rock since day one. The more I plugged in and connected with the amazing people who genuinely cared about my success, the more my college experience transformed. Doors to incredible opportunities swung open, and I discovered a newfound passion for supporting others like me navigate the education system.
Now, as I navigate my final year of college, I’m fueled by a desire to pay it forward. I want to be that supportive figure for young students who are walking a similar path. College has been a game-changer for me, and I can’t wait to see how I can make a difference in the lives of others.