Life has posed a number of challenges to Christina Mesa. Born in the Dominican Republic and now mother to four children, she came to CSI as a non-traditional student, learning English as her second language.

Prior to her years at CSI, she ran a successful childcare business as well as a rental party hall. After more than a decade,  she was forced to wind down both during the pandemic to protect her family, especially her husband, who was battling cancer. Mesa said that this time in her life was one of her greatest challenges.

“I was witnessing how deeply COVID was affecting families and communities, including loss and illness. During that very difficult period, I also had to make the decision to close my daycare facility. It was heartbreaking to close my doors to the children and families I had served for many years, while supporting my partner through their illness. That time was very emotional and overwhelming, but it also made me stronger.”

Mesa relied on her perseverance to overcome these trials. She recalled that she endured “by staying strong for my children, my partner, and my family. I relied on my faith and support system to keep going. I decided to return to college to earn my degree and continue my journey to help my community. With support from my family, professors, advisers, and peers, I was able to move forward even during very difficult times.”

Eventually, Mesa decided that she would pursue her passion for social work by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree at CSI. She explained, “I want to work as a social worker to continue helping my community, especially children, immigrants, and the LGBTQ+ community, supporting those who need it the most.” While at the College, she has achieved academic success with a 3.9 GPA, membership in the Phi Alpha Honor Society, and making the CSI Dean’s List.

And through it all, she leaned into campus life. Mesa is also an intern at CSI’s LGBTQ Resource Center, putting what she has learned into action. “I help create a safe and welcoming environment for students. I listen, support, and connect students with resources. I also facilitate an LGBTQ+ support group, where students can share their experiences and feel supported in a safe space. In addition, I help during tea time, where students can come together, talk, and build community. This work is very important to me because every student deserves to feel respected, accepted, and supported for who they are.”

Looking back on her CSI experience, Mesa said her “favorite part of CSI is the diverse community, which makes me feel welcomed and included. I also appreciate the support from professors and advisers. They truly care about students and want us to succeed. CSI is also a beautiful campus, which makes my experience even more enjoyable.”

After overcoming so many obstacles, Mesa will receive her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, with a minor in Spanish, this month. If that weren’t enough of a cause for celebration, she’ll be graduating alongside her son, Christopher Garcia ’26, who is receiving an Associate of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree and will continue at CSI this summer as he pursues a Business Management degree.

Looking to the future, Mesa plans to join the Advanced Master of Social Work (MSW) program in the summer and intern at an elementary school.

“CSI has helped me grow both personally and professionally. My classes and internships gave me real-life experience in social work and prepared me for my future career.”

By Terry Mares