In this blog, we catch up with Alison Garibay, Fresno State Associated Students, Inc. Senator for the College of Health and Human Services. The third-year social work major will co-host the first open student forum of the semester, along with Dean Denise Seabert, on Tuesday, September 15 from 4-5 p.m. via Zoom. Learn more about Garibay and she plans to advocate for her fellow CHHS students. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself! I am a Central Valley native, originally from Chowchilla, CA. I am a junior social work major, but this wasn’t originally my career path. When I first started Fresno State, I tried out a ton of different classes from psychology to art history and more, but nothing really spoke to me and made me more passionate than the classes I took in Social Work. The rest is history.

Aside from my major, I’m a proud owner of a rescue dog named Snowflake! I am also a big San Francisco Giants fan.

Can you describe your role in ASI and the ways in which you can help your fellow students? As senator, I am a voice for CHHS students on campus. I advocate for the best policies for our students, provide resources, and so much more. I am always available to help students find advising, help navigate MyFresnoState, find club and org funds – and anything else a student may need help in. 

Why was it important for you to represent CHHS? I felt it was important because we are such a large college on campus and we really needed a voice. When elections happened last year, no one ran for CHHS senator. I thought that was so unfortunate because we have such a diversity of majors and students, that we could make real change on campus. When elections opened up again earlier this semester, I put my name in the ballot and am so glad I did! 

What are some of the goals you hope to accomplish this year as senator? I hope to establish a leadership council, find more tutoring opportunities, showcase internships, as well as jobs for students. 

What changes do you hope to see in CHHS this academic year? I hope to see student involvement through the open forums. Right now is a difficult time and the dean and myself really want to hear from everyone so we can make things a little easier for our students. 

How can students contact you with questions, concerns or suggestions? Students can contact me online via Instagram at @asi_sen_healthumanservices or email me at  asi_sen_healthhumanservices@mail.fresnostate.edu.

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You mentioned you hope to utilize your social work degree to someday work in the medical field in the future. Can you share more about this?I was born with Congenital Heart Disease and since a child, I’ve always wanted to work in the medical field or at least a hospital. I hope to help children and families going through medical hardships and be their advocate. 

What is your favorite thing about CHHS? I like our professors. They are all super easy to talk to and want to help students as best as possible. They have really cool attitudes and stories to tell students which makes it fun to show up and listen to them. I love Fresno state because it has given me so many opportunities to grow and find myself. 

Are you involved in any student clubs or extracurricular activities?Currently ASI and the American Heart Association. But I hope to get involved in more things coming up! 

Outside of campus, what are some of your hobbies? I love concerts/raves and music festivals. I’ve been going to them since I was about 14 and got to check more out this past year with a friend. I have been to EDC, Coachella, Bottle Rock Napa, Escape, Outsidelands, and Grizzly Fest! Hopefully, after COVID I can attend more! 

Why are you proud to be a bulldog and Central Valley native? I am proud to be a Bulldog because Fresno State has been my home for the past four years and I have met some really great people along the way. I am proud to be from the Valley because we are so diverse and have some of the best foods in California!

Learn more about the Alison at the student open forum tomorrow, September 15 from 4-5 p.m. on Zoom. All CHHS students will receive the zoom login information via their campus email. The forum is an opportunity for students to ask questions, provide feedback and voice concerns. For additional questions, contact Alison at the info above or email rcasillas@csufresno.edu.