Erin Berthon, MA Career Manager, Wilkinson College

Graduation season often comes with excitement, uncertainty, and the pressure of figuring out “what’s next.” For many students at Chapman University, the path between undergrad and postgrad life has not been perfectly linear, and that’s exactly what makes their stories inspiring.

From landing opportunities with globally recognized companies to returning home to begin meaningful careers, these students prove that success can look different for everyone. Their stories are filled with self-doubt, resilience, networking, growth, and learning how to trust the process.

Fiona Bumgarner
Graphic Design Major, Anthropology Minor
Incoming Walt Disney Imagineering Dimensional Design Intern

Fiona Bumgarner (’26 Graphic Design, Anthropology Minor)

For Fiona Bumgarner, creativity has always been tied to problem-solving. While she originally considered pursuing fine art, graphic design offered her a way to create while still keeping her personal artwork close. After graduation, Fiona will begin an internship with Walt Disney Imagineering in dimensional design and creative services. In her role, she will create internal graphic design work for Imagineers while also training in 3D design for parks, hotels, and guest-facing experiences.

But Fiona’s college journey was not without challenges. “Coming from a small town, I felt like a very small fish in a very big and unfamiliar sea,” she shared. “In graphic design, there’s often a lot of comparison with peers, so I had a lot of doubt in my abilities.”

Over time, Fiona realized many of her peers were experiencing the same insecurities. That realization, along with the support of family, friends, and coworkers, helped her push through moments of imposter syndrome.

Fiona credits much of her professional growth to her time working in the Wilkinson College Dean’s Office, where she developed professionalism, teamwork, and creative leadership skills while also building her portfolio through real-world projects.

Additionally, she emphasized the importance of networking in landing her Disney opportunity. “For my position at Disney, I had no less than four coffee chats with current Disney cast members,” she said. “It was a great way to understand the company culture and what roles I would fit into.”

Looking back, Fiona would encourage students to say yes to experiences that align with the kind of college journey they want. “I had a bunch of really unique, incredible, and rare experiences because I said yes to many different things,” she said. “Don’t underestimate the power of networking and making connections.”

Isabella Savea
Broadcast Journalism & Documentary Major, Sociology Minor
 Incoming News Producer at Hawaii News Now

Isabella (’26 Broadcast Journalism & Documentary, Sociology Minor)

For Isabella Savea, storytelling has always been rooted in community.  Although she entered college unsure of her exact career path, journalism eventually became the perfect combination of her passions: storytelling, media, and community engagement.

After graduation, Isabella will return home to Hawai’i to work full-time as a News Producer for Hawaii News Now. “What really sparked my interest in journalism was the fact that I could combine all my interests into one job,” Isabella explained. “I get to immerse myself in the community, meet new people, and bring stories that aren’t always represented into the limelight.”

Her path to this opportunity came with sacrifices and difficult decisions. Isabella described balancing school, work, internships, transportation, finances, and emotional well-being throughout college. Before having access to a car, even getting to internships became a challenge. “I had to figure out how I would get there, if I could afford an Uber, if I’d have enough time to pick up shifts at work, and how it would affect my school-work-life balance,” she said.

The emotional side of post-grad planning also weighed heavily on her. While she initially hoped to stay on the mainland after graduation, she ultimately decided returning home was the best choice financially and personally. “I had to remind myself not to put so much pressure on finding my first industry job,” Isabella shared. “Taking care of myself mattered too.”

Throughout college, organizations like Chapman Sports Broadcast Network, Chapman News, and The Panther helped her build confidence and sharpen her journalistic skills. She also credits internships with organizations such as Seacrest Studios at CHOC, the To’omalatai Family Foundation, and Hawaii News Now for providing her with valuable industry experience.

As a first-generation student, Isabella also found strong support through the Office of First Generation and Promising Futures. “If I could write about every professor or mentor who impacted me, this would be two pages long,” she said. Now preparing for her next chapter, Isabella hopes students remember that everyone’s journey looks different. “It’s okay to feel lost or confused,” she said. “Never compare yourself to others and never feel like you’re behind.”

Robert Arellano
Political Science & Business Administration Double Major
Incoming Financial Professional at New York Life

For Robert Arellano, growth came from stepping outside of his comfort zone. After graduation, Robert will begin working as a financial professional for New York Life Insurance Company. Like many students, Robert experienced moments where things did not go according to plan. During those moments, he learned the importance of resilience. “I would remind myself that failures do not define who I am,” he shared. “How I handle them and bounce back from them will.”

Robert Arellano 26 Political Science & Business Administration)

One of the biggest turning points in Robert’s college experience came when he joined Chapman Sports Broadcast Network, something completely outside his previous experience. “I had never worked in broadcasting before,” he said. “But I knew I enjoyed public speaking and sports.” Through the organization, Robert became a sports commentator and developed teamwork, communication, and quick-thinking skills that helped shape his confidence moving forward.

His advice to students still figuring things out is simple: “It’s completely normal to not have everything figured out,” Robert said. “Be your authentic self and be open to new opportunities. You never know what doors can open from simple actions.”

As graduation approaches, these stories serve as reminders that there is no single roadmap to success. Every student’s journey comes with different obstacles, pivots, and moments of uncertainty. What connects them all is their willingness to keep trying, keep growing, and stay open to opportunity, even when the future feels unclear. And for students still figuring things out: you are not behind. You are simply in the middle of your own story.