Grants, Growth, and Financial Empowerment with Kim Nguyen

In Episode 3 of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with ASI Student Government Vice President of Finance Kim Nguyen for an empowering conversation about leadership, confidence, and financial literacy.Kim shares what it means to serve as VP of Finance, including how she helps students access grants and funding to support travel, research, and academic opportunities that expand their college experience. She reflects on how she first stepped into student leadership and how those early experiences shaped her confidence and passion for serving others.The episode also dives into Kim’s commitment to helping students take control of their personal finances through events that connect them with experts and practical tools for long-term success. She opens up about moments of doubt in her Information Systems major, especially staring at a blank terminal screen, and how encouragement from a professor helped her push forward, ultimately finding joy and purpose in her field. From navigating unexpected challenges during a European vacation to growing through mentorship and support from ASI staff, Kim’s story is a powerful reminder that growth often begins just outside your comfort zone.