President’s Diversity Award Student Winner Honored as 2024 CLA 'Great Grad'
Cristian Reyes
By Jay Thompson
Cristian Reyes arrived at Cal Poly in the fall of 2020 as a “naive and eager” biology student. Four years later the child development major is poised to graduate with plans this fall to pursue a master’s degree.
“My career goal is to work in higher education where I can utilize advocacy to leverage policy to make higher education more accessible and equitable for underrepresented students,” he said.
He changed his field of study to child development near the start of his sophomore year. Reyes’ grades soon surged, and the McFarland, California, resident made the Dean’s List the following quarter. He’s been honored another five times for receiving at least a 3.5 grade point average on a full-time load of classes.
Cal Poly was an easy choice. He liked its location (“beautiful and the weather is great!”) and the hands-on learning ethos.
“Learn by Doing has profoundly impacted my academic journey and shaped my future goals in meaningful ways,” the 22-year-old said. “This experiential learning model has enhanced my academic understanding and has instilled in me a deep sense of confidence and preparedness as I navigate the professional world. Ultimately, Learn by Doing has inspired me to pursue a career focused on making a tangible impact, where I can continue to apply and expand upon the practical skills and knowledge gained during my time at Cal Poly.”
Like many first-generation students, Reyes struggled in a university setting and a campus population larger than his hometown, but he found his footing through student organizations and advocacy groups that gave focus to his future ambitions.
He found crucial support and a sense of belonging from the college diversity committee, student government, his Latin fraternity Lambda Theta Phi and Cal Poly Scholars, which provides financial, academic and community resources to high-achieving Californians from low-income backgrounds.
He was also buoyed by advocacy experiences that proved motivating and “strengthened my resilience and fueled my commitment to fostering a more-inclusive campus environment for future generations,” said this year’s student recipient of the President’s Diversity Award that honored his commitment to improve equity, and inclusion on campus.
Reyes is also proud of his selection for several state and national fellowships that made a difference for the budding advocate, changemaker and diversity professional.
A summer internship at the Latino Student Fund last year took him to Washington, D.C., where he was assigned to help an organization improve educational access to underrepresented communities living in the district. A month later, he was named to a yearlong fellowship with Today’s Students Coalition, part of the group’s second cohort of outstanding student-leaders looking to deepen their knowledge of federal education policy and create sustainable change after returning to their communities.
“The fellowships allowed me to engage in impactful research, advocacy and community service projects, further honing my skills,” he said. “That summer in Washington, D.C., exposed me to diverse perspectives and experiences, broadening my understanding of public policy and civic engagement and paved the way for future opportunities and endeavors.”
Reyes travels hopeful aided by supportive friendships with peers and faculty and staff mentors.
“Whether collaborating on projects, navigating challenges or simply sharing moments of joy and camaraderie, the bonds formed within the Cal Poly community have left a lasting impression on me,” he said. “They have taught me the importance of building meaningful connections and supporting one another in our journey towards personal and professional fulfillment.”