When Pam Martinez enrolled at College of Saint Mary, she was unsure what she wanted to study. “In high school, a lot of things piqued my interest, so I didn’t know what direction I wanted to go,” she said.

The Ralston High School graduate had previously met Daniela Rojas Florez, assistant dean of student success, when she learned about the BOLD Studies for Deciding Students pathway that is offered by the Student Success Advisors. The advisors help students identify interests, strengths, values, and skills and develop career goals. They explore the possibilities at CSM and help students find the best fit for them.

For Pam, Daniela and Student Success Advisor Angel Martinez, offered the guidance she needed to determine she could pursue a psychology degree. They also answered questions she had as a first-year, first-generation college student. “Being able to talk to them openly about what I didn’t know made me feel more comfortable about college,” she said.

Pam had been nervous about attending a larger university. CSM provided the support she needed as she began her college career.

“I thought it would be better for my first four years of college to go to a place where I could focus and have the people around me who are focused on helping me through it,” she said. “There’s no one you can’t ask. You could ask anyone, and they would help you with anything you’re going through. It’s a smaller campus and it’s a tighter community.”

Psychology has proven to be a good starting point for Pam, who is also interested in studying computer science after she graduates from CSM. She has connected with her professors, including Molly Mahoney, PhD.

“Psychology classes are much more interactive,” Pam said. “You can give life examples. You can do them in class and that’s a lot of fun.”

In addition to her classes, Pam is a member of the Flames Tennis Team and Latinas Empowering Others.