CSUSB Palm Desert Student Gets Busier

Christyann Anderson has a lot on her plate as volunteer at several valley organizations, an editor for an online magazine and a full-time student at Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus.

And now she'll be even busier as vice president of Associated Students for the 2011-12 year.

"I decided to make this commitment because I believe that I have the strong leadership qualities that the position requires,” Anderson said. “Moreover, I will work tirelessly to represent the interests and concerns of the Palm Desert Campus student community."

Anderson, who is seeking a bachelor’s degree in psychology, intends to pursue a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy and become a certified art therapist.

Before moving to Palm Desert, she lived in Paris for 14 years, where she wrote for “BonJour Paris,” a Franco/American magazine. While in Paris, she also created and co-authored “Paris Reflections: Walks Through African-American Paris,” a history of African-Americans in Paris from World War I to the present.

"Being an older student, I think I bring to this position discipline, compassion and experience,'' Anderson said.

She currently volunteers as a group facilitator and grief counselor for grieving children and teens at the Mourning Star Grief Center in Palm Desert, and is an advisory board member for FIND Food Bank in Indio.

In addition, Anderson is also an editor for the online magazine, “BellaOnline: The Voice of Women.” She has also written Op-Ed pieces for The Desert Sun, Heart & Soul Magazine and the London Times Online.