The Associated Students Elevate ASI

22 Aug The Associated Students Elevate ASI

Cowritten by Isabel Martinez and Monique Tudon

Since students voted to create a student government in 1959, Cal State Fullerton’s Associated Students Inc. (ASI) has helped shape campus life. Over the past 65 years, thousands of student employees have played a key role in enhancing the experience for countless Titans. 

To celebrate the start of the fall semester, we sat down with core ASI student employees who work in the Children’s Center, Titan Student Union and Student Recreation Center. 

The Children’s Center 

Jennifer Combs, Associate Teacher (Turtle Room) 

For Jennifer Combs, choosing to work at the Children’s Center as an associate teacher was a no-brainer, a way to shape her future in elementary school education. At ASI, she values the flexibility to work as a student and the support from professional staff who help her succeed.  

“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher since I was young,” said Combs. “I know that I’m playing a big part in helping future generations of students grow.” 

Time with ASI: One year 

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, emphasis in Elementary Education 

Career Goal: To become a public elementary school teacher 

Childhood Dream Job: Elementary School Teacher 

Hobbies: Spend time with family, friends and her fiancé, going to the gym  

Whether it’s prepping breakfast, helping change diapers or helping teachers’ days flow more smoothly, Combs finds her job fulfilling and meaningful.  

Mary Vu, Associate Teacher (Bunny Room)  

Meet Mary Vu, who works at the Children’s Center and is preparing for a future in children’s entertainment. Beyond caring for kids in the classroom, she values seeing them learn kindness and empathy from their teachers; lessons that will serve her well in children’s storytelling. 

“All the teachers and the student teachers are all so loving, dedicated and kind to the children,” said Vu. “It’s one of the few places I’ve worked where every single student teacher and master teacher is completely on board with the same mission.” 

Time with ASI: One year 

Degree: Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting 

Career Goal: To write for educational children’s television  

Childhood Dream Career: Cartoonist for MAD magazine 

Hobbies: Walking through the woods and bird watching, watching pro-wrestling 

Vu’s future writing for children’s shows starts at the Children’s Center, where her experiences might inspire the next preschool hit. 

The Student Recreation Center (SRC)   

Matthew Nguyen, Personal Trainer 

“You’ve survived 100% of your bad days.” – Russell Sabella / Photo Credit: Matthew Nguyen  

A healthy body and mind are at the top of Mattew Nguyen’s priorities. As a personal trainer, Nguyen takes pride in seeing his clients become the best versions of themselves. 

“Helping people to reach their goals and achieve their ideal self is one of the highlights of my personal training experience,” said Nguyen. “Connecting with [clients] and seeing how they grow as people is amazing.” 

Time with ASI: Three years 

Degree: Master of Science in Kinesiology, emphasis in Sport and Exercise Psychology 

Career Goal: To earn a counseling master’s degree and support athletes’ mental well-being. 

Childhood Dream Career: NFL Player 

Hobbies: Powerlifting, organizing his home gym, grabbing food and hanging out with friends  

Nguyen’s passion for helping others shines through his work at the SRC as he pursues his goal of becoming a sports psychologist. 

Brooke Morgan, Intramural and Camp Graduate Assistant 

What began as a way for Brooke Morgan to give back to campus turned into a passion for working in higher education and helping students stay active. In her role, she loves seeing athletes support each other, no matter the team or outcome. 

“I feel like my job is pretty cool. I get to watch sports, celebrate sports, help people play sports and encourage people to play sports,” said Morgan. “I feel like it’s very rewarding to see other people benefit from physical activity, recreation and sport.” 

Time with ASI: Two and a half years 

Degree: Master of Science in Kinesiology, emphasis in Sports History and Sociology 

Career Goal: Manage her own intramural program or college professor 

Childhood dream job: Surgeon  

Hobbies: Reading, fitness and cafe-hopping  

Armed with her passion for supporting higher education students and athletes, Morgan has found her calling and plans to crush this year as the next Intramural Coordinator of Titan Recreation. 

Information Technology  

Anjelo Go, IT Student Assistant  

For Anjelo Go, the spark that ignited his interest in computers and programming began in his sixth-grade robotics class. The spark has grown into his role at ASI, where he supports backend systems, keeps technology running smoothly, and enjoys the friendly atmosphere and the satisfaction of solving tech challenges. 

“I’m always learning something new,” said Go. “Whether it’s something in computer science that I can use in my classes or in my day-to-day life. There’s also advice that I take to the real world. It’s nice that my coworkers really do look after us and try to teach us a lot.” 

Time with ASI: Two and a half years 

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science 

Career Goal: Get a job related to computer science and programming 

Childhood dream job: Software Engineer 

Hobbies:  Experimental cooking and watching YouTube videos 

ASI has been an integral part of Go’s time at CSUF. Starting on the ASI Programming Street Team, he now supports ASI as one of the superheroes of the IT department. 

The Titan Student Union (TSU)  

Hailey Martinez, Titan Bowl & Billiards Front Desk Attendant and Art Programs & Exhibits Student Assistant  

Tackling multiple roles at once might seem overwhelming, but for Hailey Martinez, it’s about enjoying the work while building experience for her future in the art industry. In her role, Martinez helps others find their creative spark and light a flame. Her favorite aspect of her role includes seeing students attend the art workshops she helps plan.  

“It makes me feel good that people actually want to make art and participate,” said Martinez. “I did a workshop on how to draw in comic book style. Usually, people come to the craft workshops but since I’m a studio art major, I wanted to lean more into the drawing side. I was scared there wouldn’t be interest, but we recieved a good turnout, and I was proud of that.” 

Time with ASI: One year 

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art 

Career Goal: To become a concept artist for an animation studio 

Childhood Dream Job:  Art teacher or magazine editor 

Hobbies: Drawing, playing video games, collecting figurines (Popmart Figures) and music festivals 

From setting up art workshops and displaying student work to ensuring smooth operations of Titan Bowl & Billiards, Martinez continues to work hard and gain experience to prepare for her future. 

Roby Ho, Esports Student Assistant

When Roby Ho clocks in at ASI, his day centers around one thing: video games and helping others fuel their passion for playing them. One of his favorite ASI memories was seeing the large turnout at the 2024 Titan Cup Valorant Tournament, where he watched an independent team of Titans beat the Long Beach State Valorant team. 

“I want people to come to the Esports Lounge and meet other gamers,” said Ho. “I understand that as gamers, most of our time is spent behind screens and we don’t have much of a space or an environment to socialize, like other hobbies do, so I want to help facilitate that.” 

Time with ASI: One and a half years 

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, emphasis in Marketing and Management 

Career Goal: To work in business management for jewelery or Esports industries. 

Childhood Dream Job: Magician  

Hobbies: Playing his favorite comfort video games, badminton, volleyball, reading and writing 

Armed with his knowledge of the esports scene, his current role isn’t far from his childhood dream: creating video game magic for people every day.  

Rae Slaughter, Food Pantry Assistant 

The ASI Food Pantry is a bright and lively space in the TSU, but when Rae Slaughter is on the clock, the space brightens up even more. While at work, Slaughter provides users with the help they need and ensures The Pantry operates smoothly. 

“I’ve built long-lasting friendships with my coworkers. The full-time staff are all very supportive, and I feel well-supported moving on out of here. It’s a fulfilling job to have, knowing that every person and face you see, you’re making their day a little easier and better.   

Time with ASI: Two years  

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Business, emphasis on Entertainment and Hospitality 

Career Goal: Artist Management within the music industry or live events  

Childhood Dream Job: Surgeon  

Hobbies: concerts, beach and exploring new cities  

Her love of helping others is a common thread that will aid her in her next year with ASI and beyond.  

Student Government  

Jordan Hernandez, Graduate Assistant 

Helping college students realize their potential by day and a Disney connoisseur by night, Jordan Hernandez is one of the treasured grad assistants for Student Government, the heart of ASI. His favorite aspect of the job is working closely with supervisors who have helped him develop professionally and personally.  

“Working with the students has been very inspiring seeing how passionate they are and I love that I get to be a part of the everyday process of helping them achieve their goals,” Hernandez said. 

Time with ASI: One year 

Degree: Master of Arts in Higher Education  

Career Goal: To work in higher education, hopefully in academic advising  

Dream job as a child: Film Director 

Hobbies: Watching movies and going to Disneyland (especially Fantasyland and Avenger’s Campus)  

Building on his experience with ASI commissions, Hernandez continues to support students by using his knowledge to guide them through their own academic journeys. 

Building Engineering   

Nicolas Meza, Building Engineering Student Assistant

Originally focused on computers and coding, Nicolas Meza made an unexpected leap into ASI’s Building Engineering team, a crew that tackles everything from electrical work to construction. The change has given him a place to grow, pick up new skills and even knock down a few walls along the way.  

“I feel really valued as an employee and have learned so many things I didn’t previously know how to do. My team is also really funny,” Meza said.  

Photo Credit: Building Engineering 

Time with ASI: One year 

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science   

Career Goal: Undecided  

Childhood Dream Job: Firefighter 

Hobbies: Playing video games like Minecraft, tattoos and watching the show “Ink Master” 

From helping with the ASI Marketing, Communications, and Design office expansion to working behind the scenes, Meza’s days are never the same. Whatever his future holds, the multifaceted skills he’s acquired working with ASI will take him far.

Marketing, Communications, & Design  

Vi Nguyen, Graphic Design Lead  

Vi Nyugen spends her time as a jack-of-all-trades in the Marketing, Communications and Design department at ASI. During ASI’s 2025 Spring Concert , she developed a deeper love for marketing by experiencing the full process, from design to execution, while collaborating closely with her team. 

“I remember I was talking to [my supervisor] and discussing my growth here and how I felt I lacked confidence in my creative ability,” said Nguyen. “After reflecting on that conversation, I saw my position within ASI as an opportunity to really build confidence in myself, both personally and professionally.” 

Time with ASI: One year 

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Communications, emphasis in Advertising   

Career Goal: Working in higher education, non-profits or public affairs 

Childhood dream job: Veterinarian  

Hobbies: Cafe hopping, visiting the beach and making TikToks  

With an idea in her mind and pencil in the other, Nguyen’s designs help bring ASI to life. From simple design projects to full rebrands, Nguyen is dedicated to learning and honing her craft, now, as a student and soon as a professional. 

Matthew Manalo, Visual Media Lead  

As a kid, Matthew Manalo always carried a case of DVDs in his backpack, ready to use whenever he found a DVD player, especially at his grandparents’ house. His love for movies and video games transformed into a love for video production. Now, Manalo helps share ASI’s story with the CSUF community, turning his passion into a growing career.  

“I think getting to practice what I’m going to school for, working alongside people and being in an environment where the work is constant, it’s become second nature to me,” said Manalo. “It’s not work. It’s not school. It’s all fun to me.” 

Time with ASI: Two years 

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Television Arts 

Career Goal: Visual Media Specialist/Production Manager working in a government-based role 

Childhood dream job: Stuntman 

Hobbies: Playing video games and making personal video projects 

Manalo continues to hone his craft of video making through his education while supporting ASI through stunning visual productions. His achievements even received awards in the Association of College Unions International Steal This Idea competition. 

For the 400-plus students employed by ASI, it’s more than just a job. Each year, they gain valuable skills, lasting networks and meaningful experiences that shape them well beyond graduation.  

We wish all ASI Titans a successful and memorable new school year! 

Interested in working for ASI one day? View current job opportunities on the employment opportunities page on the ASI website.