“Sweetheart, could you transfer me over to a guy? I’d like to speak to someone who knows what they’re talking about.” I had heard versions of that a number of times before working at the Guitar...

In some ways, Oct. 29, 2017, was a typical morning. I woke up early, showered and got ready for work. But something gnawed at me all morning and my anxiety only grew worse when my mom, Susan Raya, called...

I will never forget the night my dad returned from work to our home in Highland Park. It was March 18, 2020. COVID-19 had done little damage on the United States at that point, so I didn’t expect...

The University Times editors would like to acknowledge Black community members, activists, and professors from campus for their achievements and the impact they’ve had on the Cal State LA community. Melina...

The past several months have been the most challenging of my entire life, by far. They have been the most rewarding for my work and school career, yet the worst for my mental well-being. The COVID-19...

I grew up in a small town in Hawaii in a household of seven: myself, my three older brothers, my parents, and my grandmother. Grandma was always home, and when she wasn’t, one of my parents was. And...

I’m a proud fronterizo — or border student. I was born and raised in Tijuana but often spent time in San Diego, where many of my family members live. I moved to California in my junior year of...

Every year, my family crowds around the kitchen island creating a big mess and getting masa stuck underneath our fingernails and I get the chance to ask my aunt questions about my roots. My family’s...

My best childhood memories include spending time with my parents and brother: playing in the snow and going on weekend hiking trips. That is why I took the news so hard. It was in the middle of winter...

This year came with many uncertainties. That’s why taking care of my well-being — including being considerate about the food I consume — has been so important. It really has made a difference...

My husband and I are planners. He’s an engineer and I’m a journalist. We analyze situations far before making a definitive decision. We decided that we wouldn't get married until we were sustainable....

During the pandemic, it has been challenging to adjust to life. Even the little things I used to enjoy seem like a distant dream now. For instance, dining out at different restaurants has always been a...