AGHS Alumnus Gregory Stewart’s move from Arroyo Grande to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) was a lesson in independence and real-world preparation. According to Stewart, his times as an Eagle was “serendipitous,” though he admits the transition to Southern California involved a bit of climate-induced culture shock.
“The one thing that I miss would definitely be the friends that I had at AGHS,” Stewart said. “None of the people that I knew went to CSULB so I had to start from scratch…when it came to my friend group.”
Now as a student navigating a demanding major, Stewart’s days are packed with biology lectures, chemistry labs, and a work schedule that often keeps him busy until 3:00 a.m.. He credits his ability to handle this workload to the rigorous academic expectations he encountered in high school.
“Getting tons of homework from Mr. Vonderheide prepared me to handle my college coursework,” Stewart said. “I get about the same amount of work from my four college classes as I did from Vonderheide alone.”
Stewart’s golden rule for success in his 20’s is simple: budget. He believes that managing money for rent and food is essential to avoid sacrificing necessary commodities. He also encourages current seniors to look beyond prestigious names and consider all paths to success.
“You don’t need to go to Harvard in order to be successful,” Stewart said. “If you wanna pursue higher education, then community college is a very valuable option.”
AGHS Alumna Ashlynn Chavez’s life at CSULB is defined by creativity and a high-energy schedule. As an illustration major and marketing minor, she has traded the familiar sights of the Central Coast for a diverse campus community and a 20-hour work week as a Marketing Intern for Student Affairs.
“A big shock [when first attending CSULB] is the amount of diversity amongst the student body,” Chavez said.
Chavez’s high school years were shaped by a long list of mentors, including Jenna Draine, who helped her push through creative blocks, and Jefferson Clarke, whose yearbook and digital art lessons provided skills she still uses in her job today. She remembers school traditions like Greek Week and the boat regatta as highlights of her time at AGHS.
“I am still close with a lot of my friends from high school, so AGHS helped me build my support team as I transitioned into adulthood,” Chavez said.
In her current role as the incoming President for the American Marketing Association, Long Beach Branch, Chavez learned that while grades matter for higher education, they aren’t the only metric for success in the professional world.
“Keep your grades up, yes, but employers do not care where you went to high school or how high your GPA is [or] was,” Chavez said. “Getting involved is a great way to build resumes and make connections.”
While Chavez emphasizes the importance of preparing for the future, she also believes students shouldn’t lose sight of the present.
“You’re only a senior once,” Chavez said. “Don’t compare yourself so much to what others or your friends are doing, everything will work out in the end.”
Their academic routes through Long Beach look different, yet Stewart and Chavez agree on the essentials. The core of the AGHS experience wasn’t just about getting into college, it was about building a foundation that could support them through the transition into adulthood.
