Student Highlight: Msgana Melaku
Meet Msgana Melaku, a third-year sociology major with a minor in public relations. She hopes to use her degree to pursue community engagement within education. Msgana chose to attend California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) because she wanted a change of scenery from her home in the Bay Area while still feeling connected to it. She was also drawn to the opportunity to live near the beach.
When Msgana reflects on building community on campus, she thinks of the word "healing." She felt that her high school lacked a strong sense of community, so when searching for a college, she wanted a place that encouraged cultural connection and belonging. At CSULB, she found that community through the Black and Pan-African Scholars House (BPASH), where she built meaningful relationships and developed a strong sense of connection. As her confidence grew, she became more involved across campus, joining organizations such as the East African Student Association (EASA) and the Black Health Professional Organization (BHPO). Through these organizations, she found common ground with new people and expanded her community. Today, Msgana serves as president of EASA, a role she enjoys because it allows her to bring different communities together.
The person who inspires and motivates Msgana the most is her oldest sister. She taught Msgana the importance of advocating for herself and showed her what pursuing higher education could look like as the first person in their family to attend college. Msgana also admires her sister for her generosity and the way she pours into those around her. Because her sister also majored in sociology, Msgana was able to see an example of the future she hoped to create for herself.
One change Msgana would like to see on campus is greater unity among all students. She believes that connection should extend beyond individual groups and reach the entire campus community. This goal is especially important to her because she understands what it feels like to be the only person who looks like you in space. She believes that when people come together, shared spaces become more welcoming and comfortable for everyone. Msgana encourages this change by simply being a familiar face to others. Looking back on her own experiences building community, she recognizes how meaningful it can be to see someone who makes you feel like you belong. She hopes to continue pouring into others in the same way her community poured into her.
One of Msgana's biggest achievements at CSULB has been learning to put herself in uncomfortable situations and trust her abilities. In the past, she often felt nervous about applying for internships, speaking up in class, or becoming involved in organizations. Recently, however, she applied for an internship through College Corps. She challenged her fears of self-doubt and earned the opportunity. That experience not only made her proud of herself but also reminded her that she is capable of more than she sometimes gives herself credit for.
When it comes to increasing educational success for people of color, Msgana believes academic and emotional support are essential. She feels that students often need guidance and encouragement to stay on the right path and reach their full potential. She also believes administrators should recognize that some students may require additional support and understanding as they navigate higher education.
As she begins her new position, Msgana is excited about planning events and building relationships with both students and administrators. She has always enjoyed attending cultural events, so having the opportunity to organize them feels like a meaningful way to serve and strengthen her community.
When Msgana reflects on what being a Black Scholar means to her, she thinks about "proving them wrong." To her, every time a Black scholar shows up, they challenge expectations, overcome adversity, and create opportunities for those who come after them. Being a Black scholar means strengthening both yourself and your community while continuing to break barriers.
