Hi! I’m Evelyn Gaona, a junior at Chapman University double-majoring in Strategic Communication and Sociology (Class of 2028). As a lifelong Orange County local, I always knew I wanted to stay in California for college. When I toured Chapman, I instantly fell in love with its welcoming, close-knit campus. It reminded me of my small high school, where building connections came naturally. I was searching for a community that felt like home, and Chapman turned out to be the perfect fit.
Chapman has given me more than I ever imagined. As a first-generation college student, finding support was incredibly important to me. Programs like Promising Futures and the First-Generation Program helped me settle in, find mentors, and truly feel like I belong. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had—they’ve inspired me to give back by supporting other first-gen students, whether through panels, mentoring, or simply offering a helping hand.
The Orange community quickly became my home away from home. I love studying in the Orange Circle, which has the best cafes and countless cozy study spots. Plus, being so close to everything from Disneyland to the beach makes life here even better!
Getting involved on campus has been transformative. Currently, I serve as President of the School of Communication Trailblazer Organization, which has deepened my passion for communication and leadership, helping our 1st-gen students and others on campus. I recently joined the multicultural Greek organization Phi Lambda Rho, which has helped me stay connected to my roots and provided a space to advance my educational and career goals. I’ve also volunteered with Chapman’s Summer Bridge Program for several years, supporting incoming first-gen freshmen just as others once supported me, a truly rewarding experience.
One of my highlights was taking SCC 100 with Professor Jarrod Ventura, who is incredibly approachable and genuinely cares about his students. I’ve also benefited from the guidance of mentors like Ezequiel Jimenez, who helped me navigate my first semester and plan my classes with confidence.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep serving my community, whether through advocacy, leadership, or mentorship. In the future, I hope to work in community outreach, nonprofit communications, or student advocacy to continue uplifting first-generation and underserved communities. Chapman has shown me how powerful communication can be, and I’m eager to carry that mission into my career.
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you ever want to chat or have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at egaona@chapman.edu!
