Christian Alfaro ’27, an accounting major from Norwalk, California, didn’t always envision himself at Loyola Marymount University. In fact, he hadn’t even heard of the school until about a year ago. While taking an accounting course at Cerritos College, a connection offered him a tour of LMU’s Westchester campus. That visit changed everything.
It was on that first tour of the LMU campus where Alfaro fell in love with the campus scenery. But it wasn’t just the campus beauty that captivated his attention; the community college he was attending also offered similar small classroom settings. “It reminded me of my community college experience, small enough to build real connections and learn deeply,” said Alfaro. “I really wanted to have a good network between the students and faculty I would get to interact with.”
Alfaro’s path to LMU wasn’t traditional, in fact, before transferring to LMU, he served six years in the U.S. Navy as a sonar technician aboard a submarine. That experience would shape him in profound ways. One of his best memories of being on the submarine happened overnight, in the early hours of the morning, when the submarine would surface. “When our submarine would surface, I would serve as a gunner for two to three hours around midnight, and you could look up and see almost every star,” said Alfaro. “Especially since most of the rest of the time, I spent inside the submarine on a computer.”
His deployments took him to Japan and South Korea, where he discovered a love for local cuisine, especially ramen, which he describes as the best ramen he’s ever had. But life aboard a submarine was far from glamorous. “Deployments were supposed to be six months long, but would end up being extended to seven months,” said Alfaro. And that’s seven months in close quarters. You can hide, but you can’t disappear. Three people to two beds, rotating sleep schedules, and food that was mostly frozen, canned, or dehydrated. You learn to appreciate things like hot sauce and ketchup.”
Despite the challenges, Alfaro thrived in the Navy environment and learned skills that he would bring to his college endeavors. “I wasn’t mentally prepared when I first started college, but after I joined the Navy, it helped me build habits that led to my success,” said Alfaro. “I earned top-of-class honors and advanced quickly. And after building those skills for six years, I wanted to go back to the classroom and pursue an education in accounting.” It’s that discipline that is now fueling his academic life, where he is deeply committed to his studies, taking 18 credits this semester and staying connected with the campus community.”
During the week, living on LMU’s campus has offered Alfaro the opportunity to connect with the campus community by attending on-campus events. He’s really enjoyed attending events where speakers are brought in to inspire LMU students, most recently, he’s attended a few events with the Accounting Society. “It’s been good to hear from people who have had incredible professional experiences and success,” said Alfaro. “Listening to them share their stories and hearing what they went through is calming, because eventually they were able to find their way, and that gives me hope that I can too.”
One professor who’s made a lasting impact is Laurel Franzen, Ph.D., a professor of accounting in the LMU College of Business Administration. “Dr. Franzen is really able to break down complex concepts into simpler steps and connect them to real-world examples,” said Alfaro. “It’s incredibly helpful.”
Alfaro also draws parallels between his military service and his college experience. “On a submarine, you wear many hats: firefighter, logistics coordinator, force protection. Each person does the job of three or four people. That sense of pride and teamwork is something I carry with me here.” He’s found a sense of community at LMU, especially by living on campus. “I have a set schedule. I see the same people every day, eat here, go to the gym, and play pickleball with Intramural Sports. It’s nice to feel like I belong.”
As a student veteran, Alfaro is mindful of the importance of academic success. “Our benefits depend on how well we do. If you put us in a group project, we’re going to succeed. We know how to provide guidance and get things done.” His advice to future transfer students and veterans? “Try to save your benefits if you can; college is expensive. And if you can live on campus, do it. It makes a huge difference.”
Looking ahead, Alfaro is keeping his options open. He really loves accounting and would love to pair it with working for a sports organization. “Accounting works everywhere,” he says. “I’m just gathering information and staying open to opportunities.”
