They Call Me Tenacious

For some students, the challenge of college isn’t  upcoming exams or assignments — it’s the constant concern of not knowing where to sleep each night.
For CSUN alum Tynisha Lewis, the reality of overcoming homelessness during her college years made her standout. Lewis’ story is a clear reminder that behind every student on campus, there's a deeper and often untold story.

THE STRUGGLE

Lewis is no stranger to homelessness. 

Growing up, Lewis had to fend for herself while her mother was in and out of jail, and was forced to stay with family members, friends, in shelters and group home situations. Her grandparents, who struggled with similar challenges, occasionally slept in parks and shelters.

“Homelessness has been a curse, a barrier within my family, and I'm still trying to get out of that,” Lewis said. “It doesn't always look like what you think it does. It might not involve living on the streets. It can mean moving from couch to couch or sleeping in cars.”

When she first arrived at Los Angeles Pierce College, Lewis faced precarious living situations. After graduating from her high school in Las Vegas at 17, she moved to California where the high cost of living forced her to frequently move around, relying on government assistance and financial aid to survive. 

Lewis recalls times when she would rent rooms, which sometimes would put her in unsafe situations. It was through those encounters that Lewis knew she had to leave. 

“There were people who were trying to break me and take advantage of me,” Lewis said. “I would rather sleep out of my car than be taken advantage of or preyed upon. I’d rather struggle.”

“THE HUSTLE”

Lewis' journey took a pivotal turn when she transferred to CSUN. There, she found a more supportive environment that allowed her to practice her academic knowledge through what she calls an "intern experience," focusing on honing practical skills and preparing for future challenges. 

In 2018, a CSU study found that 41.6% of students across the system were dealing with low or very low food security — a stark contrast to the 12.3% of U.S. households facing similar challenges, with nearly 11% of these students reported experiencing homelessness at least once in the past year.  Black and first-generation CSU students were most affected, with 65.9% dealing with food insecurity and 18% with homelessness.

Lewis entered CSUN under the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP,) a program established in the late 1960s through the advocacy efforts of the Black Student Union (BSU) and United Mexican American Students (UMAS.) The EOP program was a transformative initiative, aimed at increasing access and equity in higher education for African American and Mexican American students. 

This groundbreaking program, now a staple across 23 CSU campuses, was made possible by students who raised their voices for change — much like Lewis  did during her time at CSUN. 

"I was very transparent with my story,” Lewis said. I spoke up, I talked to deans, counselors, and educators, I knew other students were embarrassed, so I knew I had to be the one to speak up."

Lewis’ proactive approach in sharing her challenges and advocating for herself as well as others is a continuation of the spirit that originally inspired the EOP students to advocate for change. 

Lewis actively shared her story with anyone willing to listen. She engaged in student clubs, like the "Sistahood Club," a support group providing a nurturing environment for encouragement and connection for Black female students. Additionally, Lewis worked as a student writer for the CSUN Marketing and Communications Department. 

In this role, Lewis could raise awareness about lesser-known programs that aided students like herself. Programs like TRIO which offers facilities for cooking and eating, was a resource many students were unaware of. 

"I was really happy and proud as a black woman, a black student, a transfer student, and someone who has experienced homelessness, to be able to write and have a voice on campus," Lewis said.

Lewis also developed strategies to navigate difficult situations while attending college. 

"I would utilize the gym showers sometimes, and attend various events on campus because I knew they would feed the students,” Lewis said. “Going there was not only educational but also a reliable way for me to eat each day." 

Additionally, Lewis  began utilizing the free therapy offered by the University Counseling Services, which provided crucial support for her mental health and well-being. This service became an essential part of her strategy to manage stress and maintain focus on her academic goals.

"There were so many times I wanted to give up, but the campus was my escape," Lewis reflected. "I was constantly struggling and battling mentally, fighting for stability and my education." 

Before securing her housing situation, Lewis spent nights in her car navigating her school responsibilities while in survival mode. Despite these challenges, she cultivated a small support network of friends who assisted her in various ways.  Her friends allowed her to use their washers and dryers, as there were no facilities available on campus for her to do laundry, and she would repay them by cooking them meals with the food she acquired through her food stamps.

Amidst these struggles, Lewis never lost sight of her dreams.

Lewis grew up with a deep love for writing. She wrote poems and read books, always knowing she wanted a career in the arts and community involvement. 

Surrounded by pop culture, Lewis  found inspiration in characters like Khadijah James from "Living Single," portrayed by Queen Latifah, who epitomized the role of a successful woman in the entertainment industry.

Lewis would work in various roles within the entertainment industry, from being a personal assistant and an extra, to providing security for red carpet events. Her extensive volunteering and a family background in music cemented her ambition to pursue a career in entertainment.

Lewis joined clubs like Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), Agency 398- a CSUN Student-run PR Firm which ultimately shaped her journalism career. 

By staying actively involved, working both on and off campus, and volunteering frequently, Lewis kept herself busy and engaged to quell the anxiety surrounding her homelessness. This proactive approach allowed Lewis  to focus on her education and personal growth during the day, temporarily setting aside the challenges she faced each night. 

Through it all, Lewis's tenacity never waned.

“I'm hungry, I'm tenacious, that's always been my thing,” Lewis said. “On the first day of every class, when we had to use words to describe ourselves, it was always tenacious. I’m ‘Tenacious Ty’, I don’t give up, I don’t stop.” 

THE JOURNEY

Lewis's journey at CSUN was marked by exceptional determination. Juggling 18 units, working two jobs, and having to commute from places  like Compton, Long Beach, Seal Beach, and Palmdale, Lewis faced pressure from those around her to quit school and pursue a more straightforward career like nursing, but refused to give up, committing to her education despite the challenges. 

But while there were programs and resources that helped underprivileged students, sometimes they were not enough. 

Lewis applied to become a Resident Assistant (RA) to secure stable housing, but the position was unpaid. Opting for a paid opportunity, she continued her search for housing and was waitlisted for apartments in the area for seven years. Eventually, she found a landlord willing to rent to college students.

THE IMPACT

Lewis remains deeply connected to her CSUN community through mentoring students and hosting events, driven by her desire to "pay it forward, be the example, and set the bar." 

Homeless students often find themselves in a precarious gap within university support systems, largely because they do not qualify for some services, highlighting a hole in support for students who are hindered by their lack of stable housing. 

Lewis believes deeply in the power of education, which inspired her to continue being part of the CSUN community with the hopes of maybe becoming a professor one day. Her personal experience underscores how profoundly professors, staff and programs can impact a student’s life. 

Stacy Long, a lecturer in the journalism department and the director of Agency 398 stood out for being relatable and understanding of Lewis' background. She recalls how unlike traditional professors, Long treated her students more like colleagues, creating a comfortable and motivating environment for Lewis. 

Lewis continues to be a voice for the CSUN community in hopes of  one day actively making positive changes in the lives of some students.

Lewis states that her two years at CSUN, informed who she is today.

“The hardest part [was] being in class with privileged kids and students and people who don't know how good they have it,” Lewis said.

Lewis remains an active presence at CSUN, hosting panels and organizing events to foster student connections, drawing on her diverse experiences. Her work in uniting creatives, community leaders, musicians, and producers provides immense value to current students.

Lewis' transformation from overcoming homelessness to becoming a multifaceted professional and committed alumna illustrates the resilience and community ethos that CSUN fosters in its students. 

“I just enjoy paying it forward, I like being the example, I like setting the bar,” said Lewis.