Christopher Reynoso, B.A. '18
Christopher Reynoso '18 was born and raised in Jalisco, México. He migrated to Los Angeles at the age of 9 and has lived here ever since. Despite living in Los Angeles for a large portion of his life, Christopher had never heard of LMU until he visited during a college tour his junior year of high school. He immediately fell in love with the campus and was moved by its beautiful green lawns and breathtaking views of the city. The idyllic landscape paired with the university’s social justice-based mission made Loyola Marymount the perfect package. He was initially torn between LMU and another university but after attending an admissions event and hearing from Latinx and first-gen professors (one of them being Dr. Cecilia Gonzalez-Andrieu), he knew that LMU was where he belonged.
In his senior year of high school, he took an Intro to Psychology course that sparked his interest in the subject. He was always intrigued by the various branches of human behavior that psychology explores. “Some of my favorite courses included Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Human Development, and Psychology of Gender & Diversity. Not only was the subject matter of these courses intriguing, but the professors who taught them were also passionate about their research. In particular, the capstone of Gender & Diversity further solidified his passion for utilizing my degree in the field of education. In that course, Christopher learned about the various disparities amongst students of color and the ways in which these outcomes impacted their lives.
During his time at LMU Christopher took advantage of a great number of opportunities. MEChA de LMU and First To Go were fundamental to his success. The groups provided a space for critical dialogue and growth and created life-long friendships. During his sophomore year Christopher had the opportunity to be a resident advisor for the Psychology Early Awareness Program (PEAP) which gave him the unique opportunity to work with first-year psychology students. Those students are now one year out of LMU and Christopher says it has been great to see their recent successes. He was also fortunate to lead a trip to Chicago with a focus on racial justice through the Center for Service and Action and to study abroad in the Dominican Republic with First to Go. During his final year at LMU Christopher served on ASLMU as the Chair of University Affairs, a role that he is truly grateful to have held. LMU provided Christopher with amazing opportunities that he cherishes deeply and that have shaped him into the person that he is today and the leader he aspires to be in the future.
Christopher’s first professional job was working for the County of Los Angeles as a Media Assistant. Although he enjoyed the job, he didn't feel like he was making the impact he wanted to make in his community. During his time with First To Go, he realized his calling was to support first-generation students. It was this introspection and reflection that led Christopher to his current role as a College Counselor, supporting first-gen scholars of color in East and South Los Angeles on their journey to and through college. Christopher absolutely loves the role he is in; he sees himself in his scholars and hopes that they see themselves in him. Ultimately, he hopes to continue supporting first-gen scholars in any capacity. Countless folks have influenced and supported Christopher and continue to do so, and he hopes to one day be that influence for someone else. Christopher is fueled by a quote from his favorite author, Gloria Anzaldúa, "do work that matters, vale la pena." ¡Adelante!