Student & Alumni Spotlight: Alina Chupikova

Completing a Master's Degree, Earning a 4.0 GPA, and Becoming a New Mother

Alina Chupikova recently completed her Master of Science in TESOL at Cal State Fullerton while earning a 4.0 GPA and welcoming her first child just one week before final exams. A first-generation immigrant, educator, and researcher, Alina's academic journey has been shaped by her passion for language learning, cross-cultural communication, and supporting English language learners. As she begins this new chapter of motherhood, she also looks ahead to a future in education and research.

Tell us a little about yourself and your academic journey.

My name is Alina Chupikova, and I recently completed my Master's degree in TESOL at Cal State Fullerton. I am a first-generation immigrant who came to the United States to pursue higher education and build a career in language teaching.

My academic journey has been shaped by a strong interest in languages, education, and communication across cultures. Studying in a new academic system was both challenging and rewarding, and my time at CSUF played an important role in my academic and personal growth.

 
What inspired you to pursue your area of study?

I have always been interested in languages and how they connect people. Learning English as a second language gave me a deeper understanding of the learning process—both its challenges and the opportunities it creates. That experience inspired me to pursue TESOL and support other learners in building confidence through language education.

 
Why HSS? What drew you to the humanities and social sciences?

I was drawn to HSS because it focuses on people, communication, and culture. Language learning is not only about grammar and vocabulary, but also about identity, experience, and understanding others.

I also completed my Bachelor's degree in Sociology in Russia, which helped me develop a strong interest in society and human behavior. Over time, this background naturally led me toward language education.

 
Was there a class, professor, research project, internship, or experience that had a major impact on you?

Some of the most meaningful parts of my time at CSUF came from the people I met and the support I received from my professors. Being in such a diverse learning environment helped me grow not only as a student, but also as a future educator.

One experience that stands out was a pilot research project I conducted on the use of AI in writing among ESL students at California community colleges. It was my first time exploring this topic in a real educational setting, and it deepened my interest in how technology is changing language learning.

I would love to continue this line of research after my maternity leave and hopefully develop it into a more in-depth study in the future.

 
What accomplishment are you most proud of during your time at CSUF?

I am most proud of completing my master's degree while becoming a first-time mother. My son was born just one week before final exams, so I was finishing my program while adjusting to life with a newborn.

It was a very intense and emotional period, but also one that taught me a great deal about resilience and balance.

I also graduated with a 4.0 GPA, which reflects the consistency and effort it took to stay on track during such a demanding time.

 
What are you doing now, or what are your plans for the future?

Right now, I am focused on my new role as a mother while also taking time to reflect on the next steps in my career. This stage of life feels full in a very different and meaningful way.

In the future, I hope to continue working in education and supporting English language learners. My long-term goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in Education, with a focus on AI and language development—especially how technology can better support the language learning process.

 
What advice would you give to current or future HSS students?

Be patient with yourself and trust the process.

Studying in a new environment or balancing multiple responsibilities can feel overwhelming at times, but every experience contributes to your growth—even the difficult ones.