May 16, 2007 :: No. 200

Come commencement day, they’ll look like any other graduate in cap and gown, but their journeys leading to that special day will be unlike most. And like their peers, six Guardian Scholars will have achieved their dreams of graduating with Cal State Fullerton’s Class of 2007.

More than just a scholarship, the Guardian Scholars program — established in 1998 — acknowledges the accomplishments of students who have left the foster care system, were wards of the court or come from similar backgrounds. Lacking even basic resources during the transition to adulthood, they are willing, but not yet able to help themselves fully — often struggling without families and the financial, emotional and psychological safety nets that their classmates rely on.

Graduating with the Class of 2007 are:

Sarah Abedzadeh of Fullerton, bachelor of arts in psychology. During her studies, Abedzadeh made the dean’s list six times and was inducted into Psi Chi, the psychology honor society, and Eta Sigma Gamma, the health science honor society. She passes along her belief of a good education through her work as a tutor for drug-addicted youths and former gang members, and runs an after-school program, where she mentors at-risk youths in continuation schools. Abedzadeh plans to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology with the goal of continuing her work, as a school psychologist with at-risk youngsters.

Crystal King of Fullerton, bachelor of arts in psychology. Prior to transferring to Cal State Fullerton from Fullerton College, King served four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Tarawa and participated in three major operations at sea, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology.

Markus McQueen of West Covina, bachelor of arts in communications. As the first in his family to graduate from college, McQueen aims to be a role model for his younger brothers and sisters. His plans include pursuing a career in advertising, marketing or public relations. He currently works at Sue Procko Public Relations.

Cynthia Sotelo-Ortiz of Fullerton, bachelor of science in human services. Sotelo-Ortiz will be working at Santa Anita Family Services in Pomona, where she will provide in-home services to families. She plans to earn a master’s degree in social work.

Jacob Tapolski of Orange, bachelor of arts in criminal justice. Tapolski was involved with various activities at Cal State Fullerton, including serving on the Guardian Scholars Program Advisory Board as one of the student representatives.

Nicky Wu of Fullerton, bachelor of arts in sociology. Over the last fours years, Wu was active in such campus groups as Alpha Kappa Delta, the sociology honors society, and served as treasurer for the Queer Straight Alliance. She has been an advocate for social issues, including foster youth rights. Working with the California Youth Connection, Court Appointed Special Advocate and Y.O.U.T.H. Training Project, Wu has represented the foster youth experience. She plans to attend law school and also may pursue a master’s degree in gender studies.

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