01 Oct Lydia Palacios Looks Back on 33 Years with ASI
Lydia Palacios loves her job. As ASI’s Children’s Center Director, she enjoys getting to support her students and staff. However, when she looks back at her time as a student, she had no inkling that she would not follow her original career path or goals. Now, many years later still working with ASI, she stands as a testament to the fact that students at Cal State Fullerton don’t just graduate and leave, but are here to stay and give back to their communities.
Palacios’ story began in the fall of 1991 when she first stepped foot onto CSUF’s campus. She had just transferred from the University of San Diego, unsure of her fit there. She found a sense of belonging at CSUF, initially enrolling as an accounting major with plans of becoming a certified public accountant. However, little did she know that this plan would soon change.
“I knew I wanted to work on campus,” Palacios recalls. “When I saw the Children’s Center was hiring, I thought it would be a great fit since I enjoyed working with kids.” She had no idea that this decision would send her down an entirely new career path.
Palacios’s Period of Transformation
Palacios reading to Childrens Center students. Credit: CMD team.
The Center became a special part of Palacios’ time at CSUF. She spent seven years working at the Center while completing her degree, all while navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood herself. Her choice to transition from accounting to early education felt both natural and rewarding. She found her passion in supporting families and nurturing young minds, and less in crunching numbers and data.
“It wasn’t a hard decision at all,” she reflects. “I knew I was in the right spot.”
It was during this transformative period that she witnessed firsthand the Center’s crucial role in supporting student parents. Helping student parents succeed is now one of her favorite parts of her role.
“It can really be the difference between a student finishing a degree and dropping out. That’s what makes me so proud to be part of the Children’s Center,” Palacios shared.
Her journey has come full circle, as presently, many students currently attending CSUF now were once enrolled at the Center as children. This intergenerational connection fosters a sense of belonging and continuity that Palacios has grown to value immensely.
“We’re contributing to the community that CSUF has built,” she explains. “It’s wonderful to see former students now pursuing their degrees. That makes my heart happy.”
Community Means Something to the Children’s Center
Palacios joining her staff for a photo-op. Credit: Lydia Palacios
The Center stands out not only for its nurturing environment but also for its strong ties to the campus community. Nine out of 11 teachers at the center are CSUF alumni. The tw0 teachers who joined the Center after graduation hail from other CSU campuses. This connection underscores the unique ecosystem at CSUF. Students are supported in multiple ways on campus, from their earliest years to their post graduation experience.
“We’re creating a community where everyone is invested in each other’s success,” Palacios shared. “Sometimes it’s about more than just education, it’s about building lasting relationships.”
Palacios emphasizes this connection for her staff as well.
“My team lifts me up daily and has enabled me to make such an impact on our families and kids” she shared. “I am so grateful to be able to work alongside them daily.”
The Center is First and Foremost a Supportive Environment for all
Palacios reading and playing with some of her students. Credit: Lydia Palacios
Her leadership has helped the Center evolve into a vital resource on campus. Beyond providing childcare, the Center offers a supportive environment where student parents can thrive academically and personally. Palacios is dedicated to fostering this atmosphere, understanding that many parents face unique challenges as they juggle school and family responsibilities.
The community aspect of the Center extends beyond its walls. Family events, workshops and activities are regularly organized, encouraging participation from students, faculty and staff alike. Palacios really believes in the importance of these gatherings. Without a doubt, community participation helps create a sense of belonging and community for everyone involved.
As CSUF continues to grow and develop its own ecosystem, Palacios is excited to be part of a campus that prioritizes community and support. She sees the Center as a vital part of that growth, nurturing not just children but also the entire CSUF family.
In an era where many student parents struggle to balance their academic and personal lives, the Center serves as a beacon of hope and support. In fact, studies show that student parents who had access to childcare on campus while getting their degree had a 21% increase in degree attainment than those who did not have access to childcare on campus. Palacios’ commitment to this mission is unwavering.
To further this mission, the Center and ASI work hard to provide vital resources like the Diaper Program, the Food Pantry, and various scholarships, striving to empower students to reach their fullest potential.
“At the end of the day, if we can help a student parent graduate, then we’ve done our job,” she says with a smile.
Palacios’ Lasting Effect
Palacios on the night of her C-REAL acceptance, posing with her award. Credit: Lydia Palacios
Palacios was chosen to be a C-REAL Legend by the Center for Research on Educational Access and Leadership in 2023. She received recognition for her work with unrepresented student populations and for being an agent of change. At ASI, she’s proud to be implementing these strong ethical values at the Center.
Lydia Palacios exemplifies the spirit of community at California State University, Fullerton and ASI. Through her work at the Children’s Center, she is not only shaping the lives of young children but also empowering their parents to succeed. In doing so, Palacios and all her students and professional staff are helping to create a lasting legacy within the ever-growing Titan community. As CSUF cultivates its unique ecosystem, Palacios remains a dedicated advocate, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and supported in their educational journey.