By Marielle Argueza

TV viewers in the Sacramento, California, area know her as the outgoing and energetic host of the weekly lifestyle show “Your California Life” on KXTV ABC 10. Desiree Sheppard has come a long way from the quiet student who transferred to CSUMB more than 10 years ago.  

Sheppard learned about CSUMB through a tabling event at Riverside Community College. She liked the location, the price was right and most importantly, it had a solid reputation in communications and journalism. CSUMB was her top choice. 

“I’ve always loved English, and when I explored that field in some of my classes, I was just drawn to HCom [human communication] and journalism,” Sheppard said.

She quickly made friends with students in her residence hall, La Tortuga, and took classes led by professors who challenged her to step outside of her naturally observant and quiet personality. 

As a minority-serving institution, Sheppard, who identifies as Black and Latina, appreciated that the university’s mission was reflected in the student body and staff. In particular, she remembers her professor, John Berteaux, who acted as a mentor. 

“It was so amazing to see a professor who looked like me. He definitely took the time to invest in me. I was somebody in class who sat back and heard all these students say super smart things. I was kind of quiet,” she said.