Business Student Finds Pathway to Success

When Ashley Ortiz first arrived at Cal State San Marcos, her journey to finding her voice wasn’t easy; she mostly kept to herself. She was more focused on helping her family stay afloat. She went to class, went home and managed family obligations.

Ortiz faced significant pressure from her family responsibilities. That included helping to pay for her twin sister’s (Leslie) college living expenses because financial aid didn’t cover all of Leslie’s housing costs. Ortiz struggled under the challenges of helping to provide for her family. The weight of those responsibilities affected her personally and academically, and she failed several classes during her first year at CSUSM.

Ortiz knew something had to change – and she made it happen. Now, she will be graduating in December with a bachelor’s in supply chain management.

Attending CSUSM was not originally part of Ortiz’s plan. Growing up in Vista, Leslie wanted to stay local, while Ortiz initially wanted to go somewhere farther from home. Both sisters knew one of them needed to stay close to help the family. When Leslie decided to attend UC Riverside, Ortiz knew she would stay in North County.

As Ortiz was trying to find her footing during her first year, she wanted to be like her outgoing sister.

“My twin sister was always my voice,” Ortiz said. “She was the outgoing one. In high school, she had this big group of people and I had my two friends, and I always wanted to be like her.”

Ortiz saw the college experience other students were having and wanted to be like them. She wanted to meet people, go out and have fun, but she didn’t have that luxury. She felt her responsibilities at home came first. And with Leslie away, most responsibilities were hers.

At the same time, her family faced financial difficulties.

“We were about to lose our house,” Ortiz said.

It was a difficult time for Ortiz and her family. It was during the pandemic, and her grandfather passed away due to COVID.

It would have been easy to let her challenges and experiences define her college life. Instead, she decided to make a change. She found solace in her Catholic faith. She began reaching out to people around her, taking up leadership positions and joining organizations that pushed her out of her comfort zone. As a member of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), Ortiz met Itsarely Palma Castillo, a recent CSUSM graduate.

“Itsarely has been the reason why I've moved so far in life,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz became close with Palma Castillo because they had a similar background and because Ortiz saw everything Palma Castillo had achieved. This became motivation for Ortiz, who applied for volunteer positions and became more comfortable being with people who were struggling and knew what she was going through.

“What impresses me most about Ashley is her ability to bring people together around a shared mission,” Palma Castillo said. “She has this bright light within her that seeps into everything she does, from her hard work and ambition to the drive she brings to every opportunity. Ashley has flourished into a resilient, confident and intentional leader who leads with both heart and purpose.”

Ortiz’s involvement around campus helped her build her résumé while encouraging other students. She started to foster community; she often finds herself drawn to people with backgrounds and experiences similar to hers, which ties back to her Latinx culture.

“In these places where I feel like I don't belong, there's always someone who has a similar story to me,” Ortiz said. “So I think that's why community is the best thing.”

Ortiz’s transformation has been shaped by friends, mentors and faculty members. One faculty member in particular, business professor Ben Cherry, had a huge impact.

During her study abroad experience, Ortiz received a handwritten note from Cherry expressing how proud he was of her and her accomplishments. He encouraged her to be proud of herself for how much she had grown.

“I can’t recall a student who has worked more jobs, been as involved, and smiles as much as Ashley does,” Cherry said. “Her personal story is remarkable and shows what a positive attitude, mixed with personal determination and a will to learn can do to forge a new trajectory in one’s life.”

Ortiz recalled becoming emotional when Cherry told her she was already doing too much and that she needed to make time for herself as she was trying to help him with social media.

“I haven’t heard that in so many years,” Ortiz said.

A first-generation student, Ortiz always knew she wanted to attend college because it could help provide a better life.

“My dad always says education is something that they can't take away from you,” Ortiz said.

Media Contact

Eric Breier, Assistant Director of Editorial and External Affairs

ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314