Alumni Spotlight: Jouly Youssef
TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU
I began my academic journey at a community college, an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. It provided me with a solid understanding of college life without feeling overwhelming. During my time there, I explored a variety of disciplines, changing majors five times, which allowed me to gain a broad perspective before ultimately deciding on my current major, Business Administration. It is a lot harder to explore a variety of career interests in a four year university, which is why I really enjoyed OCC! This decision was driven by my interest in understanding organizational dynamics and strategic management, areas where I am eager to make a significant impact. I am now in my first semester at CSUF as a transfer, and it has been very exciting.
In my leisure time, I love painting, reading, and gardening, activities that allow me to express creativity and find relaxation. I also have a keen interest in psychology and the intricacies of how the brain functions. This knowledge has proven invaluable in the business realm, where understanding human thought processes is essential. I find that insights from psychology help me navigate interpersonal relationships and enhance my decision-making skills in professional settings.
HOW HAS BEING A PART OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS HELPED YOU ALONG YOUR JOURNEY?
Being a part of the BBS program has been such an amazing experience. I was able to get plenty of information about how to build a good resume, Linkedin, job interviews, and more! Best of all, I had the privilege of meeting my mentor, Christina, who has done so much to help me with any questions I had, and has made sure to connect, and search for resources I was curious about. She has been such an amazing mentor, and has helped me and watched me transfer to a four year school!
BBBS has also supported me in my academic and professional journey by allowing me to find various programs aligned with my major such as VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), accounting society, and Beta Alpha Psi at Cal State Fullerton. They also helped me enhance my communication skills by urging me to get more involved in school and in programs. I have also found that I began to network more.
WHAT ARE SOME RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF?
I am most proud of transferring to CSUF, and being accepted to the Deloitte Mentoring Program, which is also something that my mentor helped me with! I am also proud that my artwork will be in Phi Theta Kappa’s 30th addition Nota Bene.
WHAT ARE SOME GOALS (PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL) FOR THESE NEXT TWO YEARS?
Some of my goals include landing an internship that allows me to enhance my skills, connect more with college societies, and obtain my bachelor’s degree. I also hope to try my best to get out of my shell and try to get to know more people. One of my biggest personal goals is to wake up early and go on morning runs.
IF YOU HAD A MESSAGE FOR YOUR YOUNGER SELF, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
If I had a message to my younger self, I would tell her that it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay not to be okay, and seek help. People are there to help, and you’re not alone.
WHAT ARE SOME WORDS OF WISDOM YOU HAVE FOR OUR BBBS ALUMS?
I urge our BBBS Alums to share their experience with others who are in need or looking for mentorship. It helps when others see your experience, and when you, if you can, offer some help to someone who might not be knowledgeable at something, can really make a difference.
