Page Content Your browser does not support the video tag. IGNACIO OCHOA“'Finish in Four' is keeping me on track to graduate.” As a first-generation college student, California State University, Sacramento sophomore Ignacio Ochoa didn't really know what his freshman class schedule should look like. Thankfully, at orientation he was introduced to “Finish in Four," a Sacramento State program that encourages freshmen to commit to taking at least 15 units a semester, which is linked to earning a degree sooner. In return for signing the pledge, students receive priority registration, grants for summer courses, advisement and other benefits. "Finish in Four" is one of the many programs that are part of the CSU's systemwide Graduation Initiative 2025. All are critical to help meet students' goals of graduating sooner. Ochoa also took advantage of Sacramento State's First Year Seminar and peer mentor program, which he says made him feel more welcome on campus. “The people who helped me figure out my schedule at orientation said students tend to be more successful if they have a full workload, so I was drawn to that fact," Ochoa recalls. Now an orientation leader himself, the sociology major loves sharing firsthand his "Finish in Four" experience with incoming students. Learn more about Ignacio's story and the CSU's Graduation Initiative 2025, which strives to increase graduation rates for all students while eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps, and then read Ignacio's story below. “At first, I was scared to take more than 12 units, but I signed the 'Finish in Four' pledge and took 16 units my first semester. It helped me become a more proactive and successful student. Without it, I might have slacked off. But I was able to get a 4.0 my first semester. The following semester, I took 18 units and received a 3.9." “I had two significant professors this past year, which made me fall even more in love with Sac State: English professor Karen Levy [left] and music professor Michael Crain [right]. They made my experience so much better, and I knew I wouldn't be able to receive that just anywhere. Not all universities have such valuable professors like that who actually genuinely care about their students." “During my first semester, I was in this program called First Year Seminar, and I got a peer mentor, Mariam Abbas [shown at right]. She's easily one of the most genuine, caring and passionate people I've met while at Sac State and is the one person who has consistently been there to listen to me, guide me and simply be a friend. Mariam has created such an impact on my academic and social life, resulting in our friendship sprouting after the peer mentor program. She significantly changed my perspective on college." “I'm a pretty outgoing person, but when I started at Sac State I didn't socialize much. I was really focused on my grades. I felt like I needed to be more involved so I got a job at the Children's Center. Because of that, I spent more time on campus and it definitely made me feel more a part of the Hornet family." "My favorite part of being an orientation leader is the impact I have on the students and guests. More than 50 percent of our incoming students this year were first generation; therefore, they are easily overwhelmed. The simple act of answering their questions and being a good listener can relieve so many students of their previous anxieties. The sigh of relief and big hugs I’ve received after helping the students is easily the best part of my job. Along with this, the community I formed with my fellow orientation leaders definitely left an impact on my life." “Both of my parents emigrated from Mexico and only speak Spanish. Their education stopped at junior high because they had to work. Education was something they would push, but they didn't know how to push because they didn't understand the American educational system. I had to teach myself a lot. They're really proud and excited for me." Click one of the links below to check out more Graduation Initiative 2025 programs around the CSU that are supporting increased graduation rates and eliminating equity gaps. San José State’s "Frosh Finish in Four" and "Transfers Take Two" CSU Bakersfield’s "15 to Finish" CSU Dominguez Hills’ "Toro Ambassadors Finish in Four Scholars Program" Read More GI 2025 Success Stories STORY: MICHELLE MCCARTHY PHOTOGRAPHY: Patrick Record and courtesy of ignacio Ochoa Share this story Share Tweet Email Share