Accounting Scholarship Impact Stories

Q: How has the scholarship imacted your academic and working life?

A: I was able to use the scholarship to pay this semesters student fees. This allowed me to buy my books earlier than I normally would be able to. Usually, I have to wait a few weeks into the semester to be able to buy all my books. Thankfully this semester I was able to buy them early on because of the scholarship

Q: What are your career plans for post graduation?

A: Post graduation I plan on sitting for the CPA exam as quickly as possible. I'm not sure if I would like to go into tax or audit, but eventually I would like to work my way up to becoming a controller. 

- Alyssa Asplund

Q: How has the scholarship imacted your academic and working life?

A: The scholarships awarded from the Accounting Department have helped me in numerous ways academically and in my working life. The two times I’ve been awarded scholarships enabled me to take additional classes for every summer semester and winter intercession I’ve been at CSUSM. I value my education and the learning process, and spreading out my courses across all sessions enabled me to focus on my classes without overburdening myself each semester. This was essential for me to prioritize the quality of my learning output, and in receiving my 150 units and Bachelor’s degree together to be CPA eligible upon graduating. As far as my working life, I’ve been able to enjoy the privilege of working less hours to focus more on my studies. This is the first, and last, semester in which I can enjoy being a full-time student focusing on my final eight courses without having to work two part-time jobs! This would not have been a reality without the help of the scholarships received from the Accounting Department and our Alumni.

Q: What are your career plans for post graduation?

A: Starting December 7th, I will be working as a part-time seasonal Assurance Preparer with Baker Tilly for the duration of the spring 2027 busy season. I am very excited for the opportunity to continue expanding my experience in public accounting, while obtaining a look into the busy season on the assurance side. At the same time, I will be studying for my CPA exams beginning in January 2027. I look forward to challenging myself in completing all four exams before I officially start my full-time position as an assurance associate with Baker Tilly next fall. With that said, I could not be more excited to begin my career of continued growth and learning, and I hope to one day give back to the Accounting Program here at CSUSM!

- Tajia Bellazetin

Q: How has the scholarship imacted your academic and working life?

A: The scholarships I have received have allowed me to put more focus into my education and academic performance. They were a huge reason I have been able to survive through college while only working part-time, which has really allowed me to focus on my academic performance and extracurriculars. I could not imagine being the Vice President of the Accounting Society while maintaining a strong academic performance while working full time. The scholarships have opened the door for me to do these things and really immerse myself into all that this school has to offer, and I am truly grateful for it.

Q: What are your career plans for post graduation?

A: My current plans for post-graduation are to go into tax! I have had the pleasure of working for a small firm in Carlsbad, NGS LLP, for the past year, and I have really enjoyed the work that I do. My goal is to transition to a larger firm and gain more experience in corporate tax, as that has been the most interesting and engaging client type that I have worked with. I also hope to come back someday and share my experiences with the students, as I am truly grateful for the opportunities that this school has provided me with. Giving back to future generations of students feels like the least I can do to return the favor.

- Jared Bauer

Q: How has the scholarship imacted your academic and working life?

A: Receiving the Annie Norviel Accounting Endowed Scholarship has helped ease some of the financial pressure that comes with balancing school, work, and my personal responsibilities. As a first-generation college student, pursuing my accounting degree has been an important personal goal, and this support allows me to dedicate more time and energy to my education. I recently moved out on my own and am now fully responsible for supporting myself financially while finishing my degree and preparing for my career. Between working, managing my coursework, and staying involved in the Accounting Society at CSUSM, balancing these responsibilities has taught me the importance of discipline and time management. This scholarship provides meaningful support during this transition and motivates me to continue working hard toward my goals. I am grateful that the department invests in students like me and helps make these educational opportunities possible.

Q: What are your career plans for post graduation?

A: After graduation, I will begin my full-time career in assurance at Baker Tilly in January 2027. I have already started studying through Becker to prepare for the CPA exam, and earning my CPA license is one of my main professional goals. As I begin my career, I look forward to applying what I have learned at CSUSM, gaininghands-on experience, and continuing to develop my technical accounting and leadership skills. In the long term, I aspire to advance into leadership positions, potentially as a controller or CFO, where I can contribute to an organization’s financial success and decision-making. I also hope to serve as an example for other first-generation college students and show them that persistence, education, and the support of others can open doors to meaningful career opportunities.

- Joseph Banuelos Montano

Q: How has the scholarship imacted your academic and working life?

A: This scholarship has helped me cover academic expenses and reduce the financial
stress of balancing school and work. In addition, it has allowed me to work fewer
hours each week and put more time and energy into my studies. Having that extra
time gives me the opportunity to better understand challenging accounting topics,
prepare for exams, and put more effort into my assignments. It has also made it
easier to balance my responsibilities between work and school without feeling as
much financial pressure. This has been especially meaningful to me because it is
difficult to focus on my studies when I am also worried about making ends meet.
The support from CSUSM, the accounting faculty, and the alumni who made this
scholarship possible has encouraged me to keep working toward my goals.
Receiving this scholarship makes me feel that my hard work is recognized and that
there are people who want to see me succeed. It has helped me focus on completing
my degree, preparing for a career in accounting, and working toward earning my
CPA license. I am grateful for this support and hope to eventually be in a position
where I can give back and help future accounting students.

Q: What are your career plans for post graduation?

A: After graduation, my goal is to work for one of the Big Four accounting firms while
I pursue my CPA license. I want to spend those first few years gaining practical
experience, strengthening my accounting skills, and learning from working with
experienced accountants. From what I've learned here at CSUSM and through
networking with other few accountants, working at a Big Four accounting firm with
a variety of clients and industries would help me figure out which area of accounting
I want to focus on long term. Over time, I hope to take on more responsibility, build
strong relationships with clients, and work my way toward becoming a partner. I am
also interested in eventually opening my own accounting firm and using the
knowledge and experience I have gained to help my clients. As I grow in my career,
I would like to mentor students, new accountants, and financially assist those who
are working toward similar goals. Ultimately, I hope to build a career that allows me
to support myself and a beautiful family, while at the same time give back to the
community that helped me get started.

- Nicholas Hathaway Stearns

Q: How has the scholarship imacted your academic and working life?

A:  As a full-time student who is also working and supporting myself, this accounting scholarship has been an incredible help to me. Balancing the competing demands of being a student, an employee, and participating in other activities on campus has been an ongoing challenge throughout my education. I'm incredibly grateful for this scholarship as it has relieved some of my financial stress and has allowed me to work towards my career goals with greater confidence. I've been able to spend less time working and more time focusing on my coursework.

Q: What are your career plans for post graduation?

A:  I currently have an offer (which I've accepted) to work at a public accounting firm as a Tax Associate shortly after I graduate. I also plan on beginning my studies for the CPA exam over the summer. I enjoy researching tax law and preparing individual tax returns and am looking forward to doing this full time. I have the Accounting Society and the CSUSM College of Business to thank for this incredible opportunity.

- Tyler East

Q: How has the scholarship imacted your academic and working life?

A: The scholarship has allowed me to cover a significant portion of my tuition for the 2026-2027 academic year. This has given my family and I assistance in covering my cost of education. It has also helped us in relieving some of our financial stress regarding paying for my higher education. I am incredibly grateful for the financial benefit that this scholarship has provided. 

Q: What are your career plans for post graduation?

A:  After I graduate from Cal State San Marcos with my accounting degree, I plan on securing a position either at a small accounting firm or with my uncle's payroll company. I have not yet figured out which accounting field would suit me best or where I would be practicing accounting. As I continue my courses, I'll gain a better understanding of which field within accounting suits me best. While doing that, I also plan on studying for and taking the CPA exam. 

- Rachel Reynolds