Two words that best describe Elaine Anne E. Araneta as a student are “driven" and “dedicated." After emigrating from the Philippines to the United States at the age of 14, she initially struggled to culturally assimilate. But through volunteering, she was able to find a place in her new home.

Elaine's eagerness to connect with others through her passions for mental health and nursing motivated her to start college at just 16. Currently a nursing major with a minor in psychology at Cal State Long Beach, she is one of the youngest students accepted into the School of Nursing. She holds a 3.9 GPA while also serving as the fundraising director for the California Nursing Students' Association (CNSA).

In the future, Elaine plans to participate in research studies that aim to find different treatment options for mental health patients. She wants to work as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and provide continued support and education as a professor in California by pursuing a doctor of nursing practice, specializing in psychology.