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Mateo Alcantar

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Electric Guitar
  • Painting and Studio Art
  • Gaming
  • Hiking And Backpacking

Reading

  • Academic

I read books multiple times a month.

Bio

Hey, I'm Mateo ! My hobbies include hiking, gaming, painting, and guitar ! I am a senior at SF State; however, this is my first year on campus as I transferred from UC Davis recently. I am a recovering addict and an active AA member !

Education

San Francisco State University

Bachelor's degree program

2023 – 2025

Majors:
  • Geography and Environmental Studies

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Master's degree program
Graduate schools of interest:
University of California-Berkeley

Career

  • Commodity Inspector

    Public Safety · USDA

    Jan 2020 – Jan 2022

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Renewables & Environment
Has nursing license:
No
Lost Dreams Awaken Scholarship
Winner
Addiction is the only disease that leaves the individual better off. Through recovery, I have learned that my disease is not something I can cure, once an addict always an addict. Recovery is not exclusively a journey toward sobriety, it is also a journey of self-improvement and self-discovery. I have taken inventory of all those I’ve wronged and made amends whenever possible; I am not the person I was during active addiction. As for self-discovery, I have reclaimed my old hobbies and even found new ones. To me, recovery is an ongoing battle where I am never safe from the urges; however, each day I endure I grow stronger and stronger. An integral part of my recovery was realizing that I am unable to overcome addiction alone. A strong support group and remaining active in the community is necessary for my recovery. Despite being a poly addict, Alcoholics Anonymous has been a vital resource for me. Being active in my community involves speaking during meetings, reading the big book, and working the steps. While Alcoholics Anonymous is not part of everyone's recovery, it is necessary for mine. The next leg in my recovery is giving back to my community by becoming a sponsor or volunteering for the Alcoholics Anonymous hotline. Each day I spend in recovery my love for life increases; I am excited to see how my continued recovery guides me.
Mateo Alcantar Student Profile | Bold.org