Class of 2024 Spotlight: Recreation and Leisure Studies
Almar Bunag – Bachelor of Arts in Recreation with an option in Recreation Therapy
During his time at CSULB, Almar was the president of Recreation Society. He also interned at a facility that doubles as a skilled nursing facility and an institute of mental diseases. Almar had the opportunity to coach at the Special Olympics held at CSULB and was also a member of the Filipino American culture club on campus.
“My college experience had its ups-and-downs but I was able to meet some great peers and role-models that were able to help me along the way; and ultimately I was able to grasp the idea of enjoying the process,” Almar says. “One of the challenges early on during my time at CSULB was balancing both my academics and personal life. I felt like I needed to get out. During my time in the Recreation and Leisure Studies department, the course work taught me that it was about enjoying the journey rather than anticipating the destination. I started to focus on leaving room for more personal enjoyment instead of going through my college career for just purely the academics.”
Almar adds, “Studying in the field of Recreation gave me many opportunities to use my voice to make a positive impact in the circumstances around me.
Almar says it was during the time he started working full time and going to school that he began to realize his inner light, that many people said he had, began to shine the brightest.
“Almar has distinguished himself as a dynamic and natural leader,” says Prof. Chungsup Lee. “Under his presidency of the student club, Rec Society, he revitalized the club’s community spirit post-pandemic, fostering strong bonds among members and successfully steering numerous projects. Also, Almar is a promising recreation therapist. With his strong passion for recreation therapy, he has been a driving force in enriching youth programs at the City of Bellflower and vitalizing the lives of residents at the American Gold Star Manor and the View Heights Convalescent Hospital.”
When he was working at the convalescent hospital, the residents that he worked with complimented his efforts and he began to connect with them and be a great help.
“I want to make a positive impact on those around me,” says Almar.
Congratulations Almar!
